Style Birmingham Issue 40

AUGUST 2014 ISSUE 40 £2.95 WHERE SOLD

The

Beauty Issue

BEAUTY SPECIAL 007 Kate Upton Style meets the hot new actress and face of Bobbi Brown cosmetics

015 Francois Nars the global beauty legend talks to Style Birmingham

016 Beauty news high summer beauty,

Welcom e the Bea to uty Issue!

from fresh fragrance to soft new eye shades

018 The Beauty Edit our pick of August’s prettiest new looks

019 The perfect smile why teeth straightening is the new whitening…

021 New season hair the experts at Royston Blythe chart the return of the bob

ISSUE 40 p u b l i s h e d b y Publishing Ink Ltd. m a nag i n g d i r e c t o r Andrew Riley e d i t o r Sarah Drew Jones d e s i g n Mike Raven & Jonathon Hyland

022 Brand we love discovered Moroccanoil yet? The cult product goes mainstream

024 Summer rescue post-holiday skin needs emergency care: here’s your how-to

026 Lucy Kite the TV star shares the secrets of her beauty regime

CONTRIBUTORS

Philip Ellis Lucy Kite Tara Tomes Sarah Morris Dan Kelly Elle Sixsmith

028 Clean cut for men, summer grooming calls for cool fragrance and fresh skincare

046 Orange grove why citrus scents should be on every man’s want-list

063 Summer spa Tara Tomes picks the best pampering places in the city

p u b l i s h i n g i n k l t d. fifth floor white house 111 new street birmingham b2 4eu e m a i l info@publishingink.co.uk t e l e p h o n e +44(0) 121 631 6101

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All information is correct at the time of going to press.

Please note that prices for items are subject to change so may vary from those mentioned contact individual stores for definitive pricing information. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without prior permission. We make every effort to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, however, we can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations in all circumstances. Contributors’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or of Publishing Ink Limited. Any material submitted is done so at the owner’s risk, and the company can take no responsibility for the safe storage or return of such material.

STYLE FOR WOMEN 012 Style chart if it’s hot, it’s here: your new season wishlist!

034 Fashion news transition from summer to autumn in style with our help

036 Holiday heaven make packing easy, with a capsule wardrobe of sea blues and sunshine yellows

037 Size 000 Sarah Morris charts the rise of the new ultra-skinny shape: has fashion gone too far this time?

041 New season handbags the hotlist, ready and waiting in-store

© publishing ink 2014

FRONT COVER: COURTESY OF TONI & GUY (salons in Birmingham: see toniandguy.com for details)

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STYLE FOR MEN 042 Style news cool hi-tops, weekend accessories, the woollen coat that’s on everyone’s list 044 Trend report style-led comfort-wear is a key autumn trend, says Lizzy Gardner

STYLE FOR HOMES 048 7 new season ideas makeover your home for autumn, in seven affordable steps

050 Home news make the most of high summer with cool shades at home and fun in the garden

STYLE FOR TRAVEL 052 St Barths plan your winter getaway now, at this A-listers’ paradise

053 Travel news inspiration, views, reviews and recommendations

STYLE SOCIAL 038 Summer at The Mailbox time for a few pampering treats

054 Capital’s Dan Kelly shares his workout playlist: what will YOU take to the gym?

056 Food and drink news tempting recipes for late summer al fresco dining

058 Five apps Looking for love? Philip Ellis suggest the best dating apps

060 The Custard Factory come with us as we explore all this cool spot has to offer 067 What’s on book now for these great gigs, shows, musicals, exhibitions and more

070 Competition your chance to win new season shoes from Clarks

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style exclusive

Style Birmingham Exclusive

UPTON GIRL Glorious Kate Upton has taken the world by storm over the past two years, gracing magazine covers and red carpets alike, moving into films and now leading a global makeup campaign. Here, she talks to Sarah Drew Jones about beauty, career, style and more issue 40

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K

ate Upton looks like everyone’s idea of a wholesome American supermodel: golden tan, perfect white smile and the kind of healthy curves that put you in mind of iconic ‘90s glamazons such as Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.

Florida girl Kate exploded onto the scene in 2010, gracing the pages – and cover – of the legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. With her natural warmth and exuding an easy confidence, Kate was sure to conquer Hollywood too, and this year her modelling career has evolved into making movies: she appeared in The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann.

Kate caught the eye of beauty queen Bobbi Brown this year too, and was recently unveiled as the new face of the makeup brand. They’re a perfect fit: Bobbi celebrates beauty in all its forms and believes health and happiness are the most important gifts a woman possesses, and Kate represents a new attitude that rejects the idea that skinniness equals self-esteem.

Here, Kate shares a few beauty secrets and talks about her career so far, plus a few dreams for the future.

I’ve loved makeup since I was a girl. At what age did I start wearing it? I was probably 13. I actually had to wear makeup because I used to show horses.

My mom taught me how to apply it, and I would coordinate my makeup with whatever outfit I was wearing—a red lip to show English, or a brown smoky eye to show Western!

Bobbi’s message about beauty speaks to me. I’m thrilled to be the face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She created a global brand from an idea that women can be beautiful being exactly who they are and I love that.

Everyone looks better with a little colour. The best makeup tip I learned from Bobbi? That a little bit of pink blush can go a long way. I’ve always been a bronzer girl, but Bobbi showed me how to add a little blush on top of the bronzer. It brings a nice pop of colour to your face.

I have a morning beauty routine that I stick to wherever I am, however little time I have. I wash my face with Dr Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream and moisturise with Bobbi’s Hydrating Gel Cream. I always follow with sunscreen. Growing up in Florida, my mom made a point to put sunscreen on us kids, so I picked up that routine early on. In terms of makeup, I use Bobbi’s Creamy Concealer, Bronzing Powder, Pot Rouge Blush, Smokey Eye Mascara and several of her lip colours, softer for day and some of the reds and wine colours for night.

icon of mine. She was so glamorous, beautiful, and had a great sense of style.

I think I’m friendly and I’ll talk to anyone who’ll talk to me. How would I describe my personality? I’m very outgoing. I talk a lot.

I’ll talk to myself if no one wants to join in on the conversation!

I’m so happy my career is going well and giving me so many opportunities. My favourite accomplishment in my career so far? My first American Vogue cover, as well as my collaboration with Bobbi. Vogue was incredible because I got to work with the best in the business, including fashion editor Tonne Goodman and legendary photographer Mario Testino. I was able to see why the greatest minds in the industry have gotten where they are. It was that moment when I sat back and learned. And I feel the same about working with Bobbi. She’s an American beauty icon. Just being in the same room with her inspires me. I always tell her that her Pretty Powerful campaign was pretty powerful for me. It was about how every woman is beautiful and powerful. I wanted to meet her after seeing the campaign, and once I did, she was even better than I imagined.

Below, Kajal Eye Liner, £18

Like a lot of women, I like to feel groomed and ready to face the world. I feel powerful when I have it all together. When I’m confident, I feel powerful, and I feel confident when I have good makeup on and my hair is brushed.

Beauty tips and tricks are fun to learn.

My best beauty tip? I’m all about making shortcuts. My new thing is to use a cream blush on my cheeks and then dab a bit on my lips. It adds colour to your face without competing. For eyelashes, I like taking the wand and twirling it from root to tip to make them curl nicely.

I’m right where I want to be. But if I weren’t modelling, what would I be doing? I started modelling when I was 15, so it almost feels like I don’t know any other industry. But if I weren’t a model, I’d definitely be doing something else in this industry. I might be an agent or a manager.

I admire several actresses from the golden age of Hollywood. My beauty icon is Lauren Hutton. She has this wonderful inner beauty about her, and I love the way she carries herself. Audrey Hepburn is another

I’m not a fan of fussy dressing. I’d describe my style as casual, but dressy enough to take me from day to night. I love to wear jeans, especially black ones. I like very simple things.

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Above, Smokey Eye Mascara, £22.50

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style exclusive

KATE’S FAVOURITE MAKEUP I love Bobbi’s Smokey Eye Mascara, £22.50. I love the formula, I love the brush. It immediately gives you the look of a smoky eye without actually having to create one with eye shadows and liners.

I’m a big fan of the smokey eye look. It’s sexy, classic, and it brings out the blue in my eyes. It’s a bold statement, so I don’t have to do much to the rest of my look. I love to wear it with simple clothes, bronzed skin and a nude lip.

Healthy-looking skin is the most important thing.

I love the new Skin Weightless Foundation, £33.50, because it is so light, but evens out my skin, and I love great, healthy glowing skin more than any other look.

AUTUMN MUST-HAVES Kate is the face of the new Smokey Nudes collection, which launches on Bobbi Brown counters across Birmingham on September 1, featuring a Smokey Nudes Palette, £48, Shimmer Brick, £32.50, Kajal Liner, £18, and Creamy Matte Lip Color, £19.50 in four new shades. The new Skin Weightless Foundation, £33.50, also arrives in September, in a cashmere finish and 20 shades.

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style exclusive

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH KATE AND BOBBI “I was drawn to Kate because not only is she incredibly beautiful, she is healthy, comfortable in her own skin, has such positive energy, and is a woman who creates her own rules”, says Bobbi Brown about her makeup ambassador and friend. “She loves life and that is pretty powerful.”

“Like a lot of women, I like to feel groomed and ready to face the world.

I feel powerful when I have it all together. When I’m confident, I feel powerful, and I feel confident when I have good makeup on and my hair is brushed.”

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I R R E S I S T I B LY B E AU T I F U L S K I N

HARVEY NICHOLS

M O R O CC A N O I L .CO.U K

P R E M I U M S PA S

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style expert

THE

Yes, it’s August, but new season coats arrive in stores early and sell out fast. This shearling number, £95 at M&S, caused a stir at the press preview show: so snap yours up now.

STYLE CHART Crossbody bags are still big news for autumn, and this lovely one from Jaeger ticks all the boxes at £199 (jaeger.co.uk).

Philosophy Field of Flowers Magnolia Blossom is our favourite summer scent this year: soft and feminine without being overpoweringly floral. It’s £32 in department stores.

These fantastic sandals from Dorothy Perkins are an incredible £29: a bargain, an unusual colour and a sexy heel all in one package. LOVE.

We saw this watch in the new Links of London collection and sighed.

Your wrist needs – demands, deserves – this kind of candy. Watch, £650, Links of London in Bullring.

The perfect summer-intoautumn shirt: fabulous colours, a cool cut and an on-trend painterly pattern. It’s just £22 at Next.

Now’s the time to spot the hero pieces in the new collections and take them home to your wardrobe for safe keeping. This laser cut skirt, £149 at Hobbs, will lift your spirits.

Transition between summer and autumn with some canny jewellery investments to style up your tees, sandals and maxis.

Folli Follie’s pretty bracelet in rose gold caught our eye: £95.

Summer’s kick-ass attitude spills over into the new season with plenty of uber-heels and studded detailing on accessories.

These metallic heels are £18 at Primark, (in store from August 20). stylebirminghamMAG.com

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style exclusive

Twenty years ago, François launched his namesake NARS brand with a collection of 12 exquisite lipsticks.

Two decades of stellar success later, we met the makeup genius to see how he’s marking this milestone birthday: with colour, confidence and classic movies!

STYLE MEETS… FRANÇOIS NARS It feels great to be celebrating 20 years of NARS. It’s an amazing milestone. It feels like yesterday that I started NARS. For me, the concept of time is very abstract. There is a certain point in your life when you start losing track of time; I don’t calculate the years.

I’ve hit the point in my life where I try not to look back; I look forward to the future. It’s been a great ride so far and I hope it continues.

I started with no expectations, period. I was just hoping it would do well. I didn’t think ‘one day we’ll be in this many countries or have 400 products.’ I just wanted to create great products. I was young and free, I didn’t have anything set in my mind. I was frustrated with not being able to find the best products or the best colours and I thought it would be fun to create a makeup line. It wasn’t planned, it was very spontaneous which is what I think makes the brand so fresh.

I’ve worked with some really fantastic fashion talent – Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein —and I learned something different from each, their DNA has influenced my DNA, my taste and creativity. I was very lucky to work with these luminaries. As much as I’ve tried to stay away from trends, you have to be aware of them and aware of what’s going on with the runway shows – the fabrics, shapes, models – you have to relate to that. There’s always something that comes out of those trends, so for NARS, I try to keep it balanced between trendy and classic and that’s not always easy.

I like unconventional beauty. When I first moved to the USA, all the campaign models were very plastic looking – perfect faces with blonde hair and blue eyes. I photographed model Alek Wek before she was popular or well known. I wanted to push boundaries and show people

a different take on what is beautiful. I love strong women and interesting faces with character and personality.

They can be a little odd but at the same time very beautiful. As long as I’m interested in someone and I find them beautiful, I could care less who they are or how old they are.

I chose actress Charlotte Rampling for the NARS 20th anniversary. To me, if you find someone that inspires you with personality and talent, it’s even more exciting to photograph them. Charlotte has an incredible beauty – she has beautiful green eyes — but it’s not just about her face, I love her as an actress and respect what she’s done in her life, which makes her even more beautiful. I also don’t put an age limit on beauty. I wanted to show the world that you don’t have to be young to be a beautiful campaign face/model.

I find inspiration everywhere. I love old films, the cinematography, the glamour and I am always inspired by old Hollywood actresses like Greta Garbo, Dayle Haddon and Catherine Deneuve – their beauty is so powerful and timeless. I love movies from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. I keep an eye on what movies come out today and there are some great ones, but they aren’t as rich as they once were. I also love Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Amanda Seyfried and Charlize Theron. I am very picky because I love women with strength and character, strong faces and personalities. It’s directly linked to their work.

I admire actresses who take risks with their work, like Charlize Theron in Monster. Of the younger generation Hollywood, I love Chloe Moretz, Lupita Nyong’o, Elle and Dakota Fanning. I respect their sense of style, it’s so fresh.

The one piece of advice I would give to a woman on how to feel and live a beautiful life? I think makeup is a great tool for transforming yourself.

It’s fun to play with – you can become somebody else or find yourself in a look.

There are so many different ways to achieve a look, so many tools and colors to use and play with – you can always take it off, so play with it, it’s fun.

My makeup collections aren’t really planned. I am inspired by everything, places I’ve travelled to, old films, exhibits I’ve visited and even people on the street. I can see something someone is wearing or their hair colour, and design with those colours and palettes. That’s the way I design collections – it’s very spontaneous, nothing is really planned.

Travel is so important. Paris always inspires me. It’s such a beautiful and special place for me. I love going there. Travelling is probably one of the most inspiring things to me. There is always something that triggers my choice of colours and even sometimes my photography. I also love books, I don’t necessarily need to physically travel to a place because I travel through books. I can see a landscape or a culture in a book and that will inspire my work.

To celebrate the NARS 20th anniversary, The Audacious Lipstick Collection will launch on September 1, in 40 shades, each named after a famous actress (£24, Selfridges and House of Fraser Birmingham)

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style beauty

BEAUTY NEWS Time to get glowing, with super-sheer summer makeup and serious skincare!

Must Have!

SEA SHADES Capture that high summer feeling with makeup’s hottest trend: all shades of blue, sheerwashed over the eyes. Something Blue, Head in the Sky, Boyfriend Jeans and Blue Over You Colour Crush eyeshadows, £7 at The Body Shop.

Talking fragrance with Jo Malone Christine Nagel, Master Perfumer at Jo Malone London, on her latest masterpiece Our newest fragrance Wood, Sage and Sea Salt was something unusual; another great challenge. For inspiration, I looked at photographs of the English coast and old postcards with rugged cliffs and moody skies.

It was sepia photography and the colour was very emotive. I instantly felt the sensation of sea spray, romantic but natural.

I went to the English coast off season. It was a cold, foggy day, there were different herbs growing and pieces of driftwood, and I could taste the sea salt, see the long grasses and this was the start of the story for me. The mineral texture of the sand was a fantastic source of inspiration leading me to the unexpected, rather than working around sunshine and an aquatic note as you might expect from a ‘beach’ fragrance.

Jo Malone London Wood, Sage and Sea Salt, from £40, from Sept 1

STYLE LOVES

Guerlain K issKiss lips tick, £26, has m ango butter to keep lips su per-soft an d drenched in rich colour.

PERFECT CANVAS The autumn/winter catwalks were full of immaculate skin that radiated health.

Think minimal coverage and striking lip shades. The Lancôme City Miracle CC Cream SPF 50/PA+++, £27 will make your skin look airbrushed. issue 40

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style beauty

BEAUTY EXPERT BEST BUY Eve Lom Travel Essentials kit, with cleanser and cloth, TLC Radiance Cream and Rescue Mask, £75 at Harvey Nichols.

Selfridges Birmingham beauty hall just got even more irresistible, with the addition of a Beauty Personal Shopper. Rose Gallagher will give customers a one-on-one consultation using her knowledge of hundreds of beauty brands: she’s not affiliated to any one brand, so is able to be honest and broad in her advice. Here, Rose shares her own summertime heroes…

BLURRED LINES

el han h C uid t i n w w Fl o ski ur hy Gl ! o y n t cus Heal ’s a fa o f e t a Sof In-On : Keir 4 All 15 £3 F P S

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1 3 4 1. RMK Cleansing Balm, £29 2. Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette, £38 3. Bella Bellissima Perfect Day, £48 (50ml) 4. Illamasqua Glamore Collection Satin finish lipstick, £18 5. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, £30.50

WISH LIST Perfect summery colour: lightweight formulas and suit-anyone shades.

That’s what you’ll get from the By Terry Tint to Lip Water Color Lipstain, £28.95, and Aqua-Print Eyeshadow, £23, at Space NK in Harvey Nichols.

To book a personal shopping appointment with Rose call 07894 807 878.

TWO TO TRY...

New In!

Origins’ fantastic GinZing range fights dull, exhausted skin. The Refreshing scrub cleanser, £18.50 and Refreshing face mask, £23, work together to bring back radiance in days.

Our reviewer couldn’t get enough of the new Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, £24.99 at Boots. Why? “It sank into skin and instantly plumped it out, making me look five years younger!” Gets our vote…

TRIED & TESTED Vitamin Skin Peel at DestinationSkin DestinationSkin clinics are loved by celebs including Miranda Kerr and Daisy Lowe and Vitamin Skin Peel is a hero treatment. Natural acids re-texturise the complexion, clearing away dead cells to reveal younger, fresher skin, and boosting cell turnover so you keep that glow for weeks. The peel is great for ageing skin, brown spots/pigmentation, acne scarring and rosacea, but is gentle enough to not leave you with any downtime: no redness or sensitivity with this peel, just results.

Vitamin Skin peel £95, destinationskin

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All products are available at Harvey Nichols Birmingham 1. Benefit Bathina Dry Oil Spray, £26.50, 2. Benefit Posie Tint, £24.50, 3. Butter London Primrose Hill Picnic, £12 4. Deborah Lippmann Day Tripper, £16, 5. Benefit World Famous Neutrals Eyeshadow, £23.50 6. Benefit Juicy Details Lipstick, £15, 7. Benefit Pinky Swear powder shadow, £15.50, 8. Benefit Lipgloss, £14.50

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Smile

LIKE A STAR

Why spend hundreds on the latest skincare and the best makeup, if your smile lets you down? Teeth straightening has taken over from laser whitening as the latest celeb trend: could it help you too?

I

f you’re self-conscious about crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, you don’t have to resort to ‘train-track’ braces: thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, there are now plenty of discreet and effective ways to have your teeth straightened.

Misalignment happens for a number of reasons. It could be that childhood orthodontics had only a temporary effect, or it can simply be a result of ageing, when our facial muscles and gums change shape causing teeth to move and overlap.

Alongside laser teeth whitening which is commonplace now, straightening is increasingly popular among celebrities: it’s rumoured that even the Duchess of Cambridge has had treatment to correct her smile. It’s not just vanity: straightening your teeth has health as well as cosmetic benefits. Closing gaps and fixing overcrowding protects the teeth, lengthening lifespan and making them easier to clean.

Where to start? A consultation with an orthodontist is your first step. Here are just a few of the leading treatment options you can expect to discuss.

Invisalign Highly effective, Invisalign uses a series of transparent, near-invisible aligners that you wear every day to gradually straighten teeth. They’re custom-made, and get replaced every two weeks as your teeth move little by little into the position you want.

Discreet, yes, but probably the best thing is that you remove the aligners for eating and cleaning your teeth, making them convenient to live with day-to-day.

Suitable for the vast majority of adults, Invisalign is widely available. Some cosmetic dentists will show you a computer model of your teeth - before and after - so you can see the results that Invisalign should deliver before signing up. Treatment time can be anything from nine to 18 months.

Expect to pay: £2,500 to £4,500

Lingual braces Lingual braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, making them totally invisible when you smile. The braces are tailor-made, and remain on for the entire duration of the treatment, which is usually only around 16 weeks.

Lingual braces work particularly well for mild to moderate cases, when only the front six teeth need straightening.

It may feel a little odd when the brace is first fitted, but it shouldn’t impair your speech or eating, and the mouth soon adjusts.

Ask your clinic about STb Social 6 lingual braces, which have been shown to achieve results in as little as six weeks.

How does it work so fast? It’s partly because the brace is fixed to only six teeth but also because the front teeth have smaller roots which makes them easier to move.

Expect to pay: from £2,000

6 Month Smiles This treatment has taken the USA by storm, chiefly because on average it takes only – you guessed it – six months.

It’s a combination of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires which are attached to the front of the teeth, like a traditional metal brace. The wires are light and small, and much less visible than old-style braces.

Expect to pay: around £2,500

The Inman Aligner This clear plastic retainer has two aligning wires that fit across the front four to six teeth. It’s visible, but easy to use, and removable for eating. The aligner works by exerting a constant gentle pressure on the teeth, so a little discomfort and disruption to speech is common at first.

You’ll need fortnightly visits to your orthodontist to review and adjust the aligner, and treatment takes between six and 18 weeks.

Expect to pay: from £2,000

Perfect teeth: you too can have the dazzling smiles of stars such as Julia Roberts, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue and Bradley Cooper

What all these state-ofthe-art teeth straightening treatments have in common is that once they’re finished, it’s not over.

Your teeth will move back into their ‘before’ position very quickly if you don’t wear a retainer. A night-time mouthguard retainer is one option, but your orthodontist can instead fit a permanent small wire behind your teeth to keep them in place.

Karen Coates of the British Dental Health Foundation warns that you may need to put some extra effort into looking after your teeth during treatment. “There may be increased difficulty in keeping up a good oral hygiene” she says. “You’ll need to use interdental and tufted brushes and mouthwashes to ensure the teeth and braces are kept clean otherwise you risk dental decay. Also, keep up your regular check-ups with your own dentist, as the orthodontist will only deal with your braces.”

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FA B U LO U S LY D E CA D E N T H A I R CA R E WW W. S H OW B E AU T Y. C O M

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HEAD START ON AUTUMN In comes the new season, and with it a whole host of new looks to choose from: which AW14 hairstyle will suit you?

We asked Royston Blythe for his expert advice

S

ummer may still be in full swing but anyone with any style sense is already thinking about autumn, scanning the AW14 trends and snapping up the must-have pieces that are in the shops now, and gone tomorrow. Can the same be true of our hair? Does a new autumn ‘do’ beckon?

“Now is definitely the time to consider a new season hairstyle” says Midlands celebrity hairdresser Royston Blythe. “At this time of year, behind the scenes in the salon we are preparing for the forthcoming switch to darker, richer tones. We are focusing on the condition of our clients’ hair, when hair becomes darker and cuts become more polished, and the condition and health of hair is ultra-essential.”

So what is the style of the season? “We’ll see a significant return to the bob” says Royston. “It’s a beautiful, feminine and iconic hairstyle that’s endless in variation: but it’s contemporary and completely failsafe. Many of our clients at the salon are professionals who need a powerful and polished look for work but love a more relaxed and softer style for evenings and weekends. There are so many bob hairstyles that suit work and play and also flatter every face shape.”

Several celebrities have recently chopped off their long locks and opted for a choppy bob, including Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.

Royston says: “We expect this to be carried on to the high street but our advice would always be to ensure that you follow the advice of your stylist, follow what suits you and never the latest trend. But if you need to make a new statement then there is a bob hairstyle that will do just that.”

The bob isn’t the only hot look for autumn. The pixie crop is also back in fashion in a big way. “Chopping off your locks for an elfin style pixie cut can be a rather daunting thought, but if you want impact or you wish to eliminate the frazzled effects of the hot sunshine then the elfin crop is just perfect” advises Royston. “It’s a specialism of ours at the salon. By running a variation of tones in ribbons through the hair we ensure the cut stays feminine: a favourite look is when we sweep the fringe across the forehead to encourage a soft and girly look. For winter, when complexions become cooler and paler, we use layers of colour that add warmth and eliminate harsh and masculine looks.”

“We’ll see a significant return to the bob. It’s a beautiful, feminine and iconic hairstyle” Extensions have hit the headlines again recently: are they still a key trend or totally over? “It’s all about expert application” says Royston, “that’s what makes extensions look natural.” Plenty of stars still use them, from the Kardashians to Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. “The most important part of considering hair extensions is to find a reputable salon and begin with an in depth consultation to ensure that your hair and lifestyle are suitable” says Royston.

Brands to look out for? “We use Rapture hair extensions, they work weight for weight with your own hair and with its natural fall so they don’t put any tension on it: in fact you can’t feel them, which is how hair extensions should be. Hair extensions can cause stress and damage to the hair if not applied correctly and Rapture are very quick to apply and easy to remove. They don’t cause damage and they’re made from 100 per cent human hair.”

His own salon still uses them with expert care. “We love working with extensions because they give our clients so many more hair options. Often, extensions are related to long, voluminous hair but when correctly used, extensions are a perfect solution for those with shorter styles that wish to add sections or pieces of hair to create more unique looks and variations. Think side swept fringes and longer layers that fall gently around the face.”

Find out more about Royston Blythe salons in both Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury at roystonblythe.co.uk, or by following them on twitter (twitter.co.uk/rbshrewsbury) or liking them on facebook (facebook.co.uk/roystonblythe). Three Royston Blythe stylists, Sophie Beattie and Nick Malenko from the Wolverhampton salon and Charles Douek from the Shrewsbury salon have been named finalists in the British Hairdressing Awards 2014.

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style expert

BRAND WE LOVE

Moroccanoil has evolved from being the celeb world’s cult favourite to everyone’s go-to haircare collection. Soft tresses can be yours, with a little help from Moroccanoil

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hese days, it can seem like every celeb hairdresser has their own range of hair products: samey, bland and all too often it’s a case of promising much, delivering little. But some haircare ranges out there can be relied upon to really change the texture and appearance of your hair… and the way it behaves.

Step forward Moroccanoil. Its products are innovative, easy-to-use and completely performance-driven, meaning they work on all types of hair, every time. It’s as simple as that, and that’s why we love the brand: it’s reliably good.

Moroccanoil pioneered the idea of making haircare products that are infused with oil, so that the health of your hair is always put first. This is the way to get shiny, swingy, natural-looking hair that doesn’t frizz, or look dull, flat and tired. Launched seven years ago, Moroccanoil quickly became a hit on catwalks and red carpets and is now available around the globe.

Celeb fans include Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anna Kendrick, Marion Cotillard, Claire Danes, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, but don’t take their word for it: try Moroccanoil for yourself. Go to moroccanoil.co.uk for local Birmingham stockist details. Our tip? Follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for daily behind-the-scenes beauty tutorials and giveaways!

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1. Hydrating Conditioner 200ml, £17.25 2. Hydrating Shampoo 200ml, £16.55 3. Treatment 100ml, £31.85 4. Moroccanoil Travel Kit, £33.85 5. Moroccanoil Body Buff, £35

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Celeb Fan

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style beauty

SUMMER SKIN RESCUE We spend weeks getting primped and preened for the beach, but often forget to pamper our skin when summer comes to a close. Here’s how to get skin back to its smooth best for Autumn 1 CHARLOTTE TILBURY Charlotte’s magic cream treat & transform moisturiser SPF 15, £70 Makeup artist to the stars Charlotte has been formulating this wonder-product for years, testing it on the parched and weary backstage. Jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients, hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and helps banish that dull winter complexion. Rosehip oil and Vitamin E help defend the skin from pollution in the air and protect from visible signs of ageing. It has a beautifully dewy texture, is super-hydrating and leaves the skin with a radiant glow.

3 CLARINS Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, £28.15 An essential for dehydrated skin is a great facial oil. The Blue Orchid Face Oil, will brighten and rebalance skin, keeping the most parched skin feeling supple.

“Massage a couple of drops into the face after your serum and before your moisturiser and you’ll notice the difference in days”, says Rose.

5 ZELENS Daily Defence SPF 30, £55 Though autumn is nearing, there’s no reason to scrimp on the SPF. The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate through overcast skies so sun protection is an all-year-around necessity. Don’t just settle for the SPF in your foundation. “People ask me all the time what the best anti-ageing product is, and I tell them a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen every time”, says Rose Gallagher.

Use a separate SPF for best results. “Zelens Daily Defence SPF 30 is a perfect winter or summer sunscreen and is light, easily absorbed and totally invisible”, she says.

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ou’re back from the beach and sun-drenched evenings are becoming but a distant memory, so now is the time to invest in the products that will repair, rejuvenate and re-hydrate skin gasping for moisture. Our skin goes through a lot in summer months. Sun, sea and sand can leave us with dry papery skin. Not to mention air-conditioning on the plane and dealing with the after-effects of sunburn, it’s all too much for our skin to handle.

The obvious solution is a good moisturiser. “Consider looking for a plant-based formula,” advises Rose Gallagher, Beauty Personal Shopper at Selfridges Birmingham. “Plant oils help to keep dryness at bay and remember to take the product all the way down your neck and onto your chest; these areas are just as exposed to the elements so take care to look after them in the same way”, she says.

Whilst a hard-working moisturiser is a must-have, layering is key to supercharge hydration. “Layer in the moisture wherever you can; you’ll benefit from adding a facial oil to your skincare regime”, she recommends.

“You’ll find that your moisturiser works twice as well if you use it as part of a hydrating routine”.

2 OLE HENRIKSEN Pure Truth melting cleanser (exclusive to Selfridges), £24 This unique multi-tasker transforms from a jelly into a sumptuous milky oil. Without being greasy, it melts onto skin, effortlessly dissolving all traces of make-up and grime, even stubborn waterproof mascara.

Skin is left feeling thoroughly nourished, silky smooth and smelling wonderfully citrussy.

Softer skin starts here, with these skincare lifesavers 4 BOBBI BROWN Buffing Grains for Face, £29 We tend to steer clear of exfoliation as not to ruin our lovely golden tan, but it’s essential to rid us of our dead skin cells that can block pores and slow skin cell renewal.

Formulated with Japanese Adzuki Bean Powder, the fine grains gently slough off all grime and dead skin cells without extracting moisture or causing you to look like an angry tomato.

We recommend using a ten pence size of product and working into a paste.

It can be used on its own or mixed with your face wash to create an all-inone cleanser.

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style beauty

RHAPSODY IN BLUE

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As high summer hits, cool off in shades of icy blue, aqua and seafoam

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1. Only Fingers and Toes Sapphire Purple Blue, £16

Photography: Mike Raven - mike-raven.co.uk

2. Deborah Lippmann Harlem Nocturne, £18 3. Butter London Blagger, £12 4. Butter London Airy Fairy, £12 5. Butter London Petrol, £12 All nail polishes are available at Harvey Nichols Birmingham

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style beauty

Lucy Loves

NATURAL BEAUTY Keep up with Lucy at lucykite.co.uk, or follow her on twitter: @LUCYITV

A

fter a long day at work what is the first thing you do?

Pour yourself a glass of wine, kick your shoes off and lounge on the sofa.

For me I can’t get my makeup off quick enough! I’m caked in the stuff when I present the weather and although it is essential under the hot studio lights I prefer the more natural look and like my skin to breathe. I’ve always loves beauty products and skincare and after experimenting with many brands and routines over the years now I have a small selection that I swear by.

The Organic Pharmacy is a great place to start, and I am a huge fan of the Carrot Butter Cleanser: it literally melts your makeup away and makes you feel squeaky clean without stripping your face of all the vital oils. Plus it’s one of your five a day!

Margo Marrone Co Founder of The Organic Pharmacy says: “What goes on your body is just as important as what goes in your body. After all, some chemicals in skincare are small enough to pass through the skin and get absorbed straight into the blood stream. Using organic skin care is part of eating and your skin care should be just as pure as the food you eat.”

I should tell you at this point that my skin hasn’t always been clear. I’ve had acne, not in my teenage years like you might expect but a few years ago in my late twenties/early thirties just when my TV career was taking off. It was then I really started to pay attention to my skin. I had these horrible red spots on my jaw line and it was utterly depressing and took over my life.

Neal’s Yard is another good aromatherapy brand that suits me, and the Frankincense Toner is really refreshing.

I tried every over the counter product out there and nothing worked. In the end I had to visit a dermatologist who told me emotional stress was to blame and a change of lifestyle needed! This made me realise that skincare is more than just the latest cream: it’s about state of mind and emotional stability. I did more yoga and meditation alongside discovering the no nonsense products that work for my skin.

I don’t just stop at skincare: with my organic beauty regime I like to give my hair some love too. I use the Kevin Murphy range and get it cut and coloured at Puro Hair. They ban any ammonia and parabens in the salon. They also avoid sodium laurel sulphate which can irritate the scalp.

They turned my scarecrow hair into a glossy mane within weeks of regularly using the products.

Going back to skin, mine is of the oily variety but despite this I am a big fan of facial and body oils. Aromatherapy Associates is a very big part of my life! I slather on their body oils day and night. The Revive shower oil is the only way to wake me up on a Monday morning! The aroma is to die for and will stay with you throughout the day.

The Obagi range is my go-to when things are out of balance. It combats both wrinkles and spots and my skin honestly has never looked so clear and fresh. If I don’t use it for a couple of weeks I know about it.

I do however supplement that regime with more natural products. I love aromatherapy and organic brands as smell is so important to me. The aromatherapy oils have a profound impact on how I’m feeling and that, I truly believe, is reflected in my skin.

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Talking of aroma, candles are big in my beauty regime. If I am stressed and uptight it shows instantly in my skin, I get spots or cold sores and then feel and look even more rotten. I light candles every evening when I do my yoga practice and in my bedroom to help me get a good night’s sleep. In fact that leads me to my biggest beauty tip. Getting a good eight hours’ sleep a night is crucial if you want to look your best. It allows your skin to renew, your products to get to work and your eyes to sparkle!

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!

Sweet dreams Lucy x

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style grooming

CLEAN CUT

INVESTMENT BUY ZV2 is an innovative new men’s day and night serum that’s easy to apply: thanks to an atomiser top, you just spray it straight onto skin, like a fragrance.

Packed with natural ingredients, it repairs the skin, boosting collagen and elastin and decreasing dark circles and puffiness. It’s so exclusive, you can only buy it online: zv2.co.uk

For men, summer grooming calls for cool fragrance and superfresh skincare

EXTRA CLEAR

MUSK IN

In the heat of summer, skin can get clogged and greasy, leading to breakouts and blackheads. Banish impurities by punching up your cleansing routine. We road-tested the Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser, £17.50 (mankind.co.uk). It uses kaolin clay to draw out nasties, leaving skin clear.

The Body Shop’s White Musk Sport range is cruelty-free and affordable, making it perfect for your gym kit. There’s a Hair and Body Wash, £6, eau de toilette, £16 and antiperspirant deodorant, £4.

IN FLIGHT Travel is a sure-fire way to end up with puffy, tired eyes. Step off the plane looking your best with Lab Series Age Rescue Eye Therapy, £28 at Boots.

Ideal for the morning after too…

ENERGISE SKIN

GIFT IDEA STYLE LOVES Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male EDT, £40, Debenhams

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The Collezione Wash Bag Gift Set, £16, from Marks & Spencer is the ideal size for weekends away.

TOP BARGAIN The Real Shaving Company is one of those brands that once you’ve tried it, you’ll be loyal forever. It does everything from traditional shave cream to gel, balm and SPF moisturiser, and all with good stuff such as cocoa butter and argan oil: find it at Boots and selected supermarkets, from £2.60.

Elemis knows a thing or two about skincare, and its no-nonsense formulas always deliver results.

For summer, two classics stand out as must-buys if you’re off on holiday, or looking to keep skin in tip-top shape: the Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel, £21, Energising Skin Scrub, £26.50. Both will help skin fight off sun damage and congested pores from August pollution.

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style beauty

BEST KEPT CELEBRITY SECRET If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities have all the curves in the right places, how everything is flat and toned? …

The answer is here

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t takes just 90 days to achieve the results you want with revolutionary body contouring treatment CoolSculpting ®. There is no surgery and best of all – No Downtime Coolsculpting is a permanent fat reduction treatment clinically approved by the FDA. It’s a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Using revolutionary technology, Cryolipolysis it freezes only fat cells to a temperature that triggers them to die and be removed from the body safely and in the normal way.

Results have shown that a single one hour treatment can achieve up to a 40% reduction of fat in the treated area. There is No Downtime, No needles, scapels or scars.

The good news is that you can look as good as your favourite celebrity in as little as 30 days with CoolSculpting.

For further details contact Air Aesthetics Call 0845 519 5377 or hello@airaesthetics.co.uk or www.airaesthetics.co.uk

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• Initial results seen at 30 days with final results at 90 days • CoolSculpting is the ONLY Cryolipolysis treatment cleared by the FDA guaranteeing it is safe and effective.

• Cryolipolysis precisely freezes stubborn fat, the fat cells are removed by the body without injury to the skin or other tissues and once destroyed they are gone for good.

• No knives, needles or scars • More than 1,000,000 treatments carried out worldwide

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*Food & Drug Administration

Exclusive to Central England, CoolSculpting is available at Air Aesthetics Clinics in Edgbaston and Henley in Arden.

FAST FACTS

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style beauty

SAY GOODBYE TO STUBBORN FAT CoolSculpting® is the revolutionary body contouring treatment that freezes and naturally eliminates fat from your body.

There are no needles, no special diets, no exercise programs and best of all no downtime.

Developed by Harvard Scientists to eliminate fat, Coolsculpting® is FDA-cleared, safe and clinically proven.

“CoolSculpting is a clinically approved treatment that is transforming the shape of my patients bodies.

With no downtime and no side effects it takes 90 days to reduce those stubborn bulges permanently” Dr. Claire Oliver (BDS)

BEFORE

17 WEEKS AFTER

COOLSCULPTING® (No Weight Change) Procedure by Brock Ridenour, MD

To arrange your FREE consultation at our Edgbaston clinic call Dr Oliver (BDS) on 0845 519 5377

email hello@airaesthetics.co.uk or visit www.airaesthetics.co.uk Coolsculpting® is a registered trademark and the Coolsculpting® logo and the Snowflake design are trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics inc ©2013. All rights reserved. IC0529-C.

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24 HOURS

TO CHECK IN!

Last-minute holiday prep is Charlotte Harper’s speciality. Take a few tips from the experts on packing, prep for bikini baring and more!

What do you do if it’s 24 hours to check-in and you’ve nothing prepared: the flights are booked and that’s about it? “Panic?” I hear you say.

Well, that was me a few weeks ago and here’s my top recommendations for coming through the trauma and arriving at the check-in desk on time, in shape with a suitcase proudly well within the luggage allowance.

First of all, you must attend to the most important items for looking good on holiday: face and body! Pop down to Highfield Wellness and Beauty Clinic which offers the perfect holiday package.

Relax and chill while enjoying a manicure, pedicure, lash tint, full leg wax, standard bikini wax and eyebrow shape for £89. It’s a great way to get you into the holiday mood.

Then why not book yourself into Fraser Dental for a spot of tooth whitening? It’s a great way to give yourself a brighter smile for those all important holiday snaps which will live on longer than you might care on Facebook.

Fraser Dental use state-of-the-art teeth whitening systems and can offer a home whitening service so you don’t even have to waste precious time sitting in the surgery. They’ll fit in between all the manic packing!

Then, feeling fully energised, pop down to Harvey Nichols in The Mailbox for a spot of advice on the best clothes that will give you a Riviera gloss without breaking the bank or the suitcase for that matter.

I asked Constantine Tziambazis, Personal Shopping & Womenswear Manager at Harvey Nichols, for his top tips on packing the most stylish suitcase. He explains: “There is a fine art to packing: you have to resist taking all your worldly belongings with you but at the same time you don’t want to wear the same thing day in day out.”

1: Apply the three-in-one rule: For every bottom you pack, take three tops that will go to create different looks. Take three lightweight bottoms at most for a week-long holiday and four for a fortnight away.

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2: Top it off: Make sure your tees, shirts and vests can be mixed and matched with your bottoms. If you go for plain coloured shorts, for example, you can then choose a variety of patterned tops to wear with them.

3: Be brave and take just two pairs of shoes: Tricky, I know, but a pair of flip flops or thong sandals for the day and something a little dressier for the evening means more room in the suitcase for shopping!

4: Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise: A great way to dress up your holiday basics. Go for over-sized cuffs and tribal-inspired jewellery for a touch of the exotic.

Having spent the morning focusing on the nice bits, now it’s time to focus on the travel essentials.

Had I booked my travel insurance? No! But no worries, I found some great advice on Perkins Slade insurance blog. Apparently 48 per cent of us don’t realise we’d be liable for our own medical bills abroad if we don’t have travel insurance.

Last minute help!

• Highfield Beauty in Highfield Road Edgbaston are offering STYLE readers a holiday package for £89. Simply call 0121 455 7380 and quote ‘Style Holiday package’ • To book your tooth whitening consultation Call Fraser Dental on 0121 454 2413 or visit fraserdentalpractice.co.uk • Pure Destinations is a luxury travel company based in Edgbaston, specialising in tailor made holidays. Pop in and see them at 16 Templefield Square (Off Wheeleys Road), Edgbaston. puredestinations.co.uk • Visit Perkins Slade blog perkins-slade.com/ insurance-blog • For a personal shopping experience at Harvey Nichols call 0121 616 6008

Even if time is short don’t miss out on your travel insurance. Travel Plus insurance from Perkins Slade offer some really flexible packages and it’s easy to talk to one of their advisers and get your insurance sorted in half an hour. So there’s no excuse.

And finally Pure Destinations, the luxury travel agent in Templefield Square gave me some great advice on getting through check-in hassle free. Firstly, make sure you check in online and select your seats; check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. It saved me loads of time which I could spend in the Champagne bar, browsing duty free perfume and buying my suntan lotions.

Check exactly what your luggage restrictions are: some low cost airlines charge for every kilogram you are over and it can be a hefty charge. Make sure you have luggage tags on all your belongings, just in case the unthinkable happens and your bag doesn’t come through at the other end.

Make sure you charge all electronic devices as the new airline regulations require all devices to be turned on when clearing airport security. It also saves you a lot of hassle when you are on holiday and want that perfect photo.

And that’s it! Everything sorted. Sort out care for your pets, lock the door and pop in a taxi for your well-earned break.

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THE ENTRANCE FEE EITHER A FREE TENNIS, SQUASH, RACKETBALL OR GYM COURSE TO HELP YOU GET FITTER FASTER! If you pay the yearly subscription fee in advance before the end of September enjoy a 10% reduction.

To take advantage of our Get Fitter Faster Offer call 0121 440 2492 or visit www.edgbastonpriory.com Terms & Conditions apply. #getfitterfaster

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FASHION NEWS Transition between summer and the new autumn season with these key pieces

NEW IN Dickins & Jones has a fantastic autumn collection, now arriving in-store at House of Fraser. We love the bold colours, soft knitwear and flashes of edginess, such as this floral laser-cut leather skirt, £140, stripe sweater, £59, and bag, £139.

EDITOR’S CHOICE Bracelet, £1,016.75, Thomas Sabo in Bullring, thomassabo.com Victoria Beckham sunglasses, £345, Harvey Nichols Bag, £65, fiorelli.com

HELLO MR KORS Checked out the new Michael Kors Lifestyle store in Bullring yet? Just opened this summer, it’s got everything from accessories to eyewear and fragrances.

STOP PRESS The iconic brand, Whistles, is set to open its first standalone store at Bullring later this year. We’re excited already…

INVESTMENT BUYS Watches by Barbour, From £155, WatchShop.com

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style fashion

DESTINATION DENIM

BOOT CAMP We want all these new season ankle boots from French Connection 1. Blyss, £108 2. Monroe, £125 3. Morgan, £135

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3 Selfridges Birmingham has made the pursuit of the perfect jeans painless with the launch of a dedicated women’s Denim Studio & Fit Studio on Level 3. Brands include Lee and Levi’s, signature styles from J Brand and Acne, contemporary brands such as Paige and Citizens of Humanity, lust-worthy pieces from the likes of Victoria Beckham and exclusives from jean maestros Genetic denim.

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Selfridges’ Denim Buyer, Melissa McGinnis shares her favourite shapes for AW14:

TREND ALERT Printed sweatshirts are a hot trend for AW14, and so easy to wear. Mix with skinny trousers or a leather pencil skirt for maximum style points. The new collection at Ted Baker has several must-have pieces.

Skinny “Skinnies are still the best option when looking for a versatile jean that can work for both casual and smart styling. All of the premium denim labels have great skinny cuts – so it’s just about trying a few pairs to see what works best for your body type. The J Brand Photo Ready (from £200) with slimming stretch technology is the label’s most flattering silhouette yet. I love Paige’s zipper Jane jean, for interesting detail and a good selection of colours, including bright red and cobalt blue.”

Highrise “Highrise is the key shape of the season. It’s a style that evokes an off-duty Marilyn Monroe or Brigitte Bardot and can change the way you hold yourself – the more structured fit creates a flattering shape and is good for posture. Lee’s Scarlett (£90) or the Hudson Nico (from £195) are my favourites.”

Boyfriend “The ultimate boyfriend jean is the classic Levi’s 501 Original (£90). Worn mid-rise, relaxed and with a turn-up, this cult style feels very relevant again. I love a boyfriend jean dressed up for the evening – it’s an interesting contrast and a way to make an impact without feeling overdone. A slimmer boyfriend is popular at the moment – the Josie by 7 For All Mankind (£210) and the Emerson by Citizens of Humanity (£295) are the right mix of authentic and well-cut.”

Bootcut

PRINTS OF ALL The A/W14 collections are anything but a blank canvas, with trompe l’oeil, geometrics and graffiti-inspired prints to the fore at Harvey Nichols.

“The bootcut is the definitive ‘go-to’ style that elongates legs and suits most body types. This season, a slim fit, low rise with a pronounced flare is a chic option. Victoria Beckham Denim always do clean line flares that feel very contemporary. Current/Elliott’s Low Bell take (£215) is more nostalgic, with a stretch fabrication to add comfort and maximise fit.”

Markus Lupfer cotton twill dress, £365 Just Cavalli geometric crepe dress, £360 issue 40

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style fashion

HOLIDAY HEAVEN

Make packing easy, with a capsule wardrobe of sea blues and sunshine yellows, beach dresses and cute accessories Dress, £35, White Stuff

Bikini, £17.50, M&S

Playsuit, £8, Matalan

Bikini, £28, Bhs

Playsuit, £39, Miss Selfridge

Bag, £25, Accessorize

Dress, £20, Dorothy perkins

Necklace, £18.50, Freedom at Topshop Sandal, £55, Dune

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Sunglasses, £10, sunglassjunkie.com

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WHO WANTS TO BE SIZE 000?

Sarah Morris charts the rise of the new ultra-skinny shape, and asks: has fashion gone too far this time?

F

irst came size zero, then, just as we thought that might be over we were introduced to size 00. Now it seems the latest size ‘trend’ to hit us - at least if US store J Crew which has introduced it into its sizing is anything to go by - is size 000.

That’s UK size 4, 2 and 0 respectively to you and me.

We see it more often than many of us would like on the catwalks – young, spindly models that resemble barely more than walking skeletons. Is this really the best ‘shape’ with which to showcase the fashion masterpieces that those designers have worked tireless hours, days, weeks, even months to perfect? Personally I think not. But then it’s not up to me.

On the other hand, you have stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Brook and Beyonce. None of these women are skinny, but all look after themselves, are often pictured in workout gear and look healthy, with curves in the right places. They each have many an adoring fan that would do anything to look like them.

How many people look at the Nicoles and Alexas and Kate Bosworths and say “wow, what a stunning figure, I wish I looked like that”? Not many would be my guess.

Catwalk models, of course, are a breed apart from the rest of us. But it should raise a red flag when a retail store feels that it should introduce scarily tiny clothing into mainstream sizing to meet a demand. Clothing that, were the lengths made short enough perhaps, could probably fit the body of a six to seven year old girl: after all, these sizes usually have a 23” waist.

So why do celebrities, Hollywood and some of the fashion business seem intent on promoting ever smaller figures, and lower bodyweights as things to aspire to? What is wrong with looking like an adult woman, with a healthy shape? Why should there be any pressure to starve yourself, go on extreme diets, exercise until you’re in pain just to fit into a new ‘ideal’ that someone, somewhere decided was a good idea?

Speculation has pointed the finger at Hollywood, celebrities and the rise of the ‘selfie’ craze. It’s probably correct.

Original poster girl for size 00, Nicole Richie, has recently been featured in worldwide press looking thinner than ever, and British model and TV presenter Alexa Chung – who is also looking impossibly tiny of late, though she insists it’s all natural and not the result of dieting - has been glorified as a style icon countless times in the media.

Some stars are beginning to take a stand against this skewed thinking. Refreshingly down-to-earth Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence once said in an interview with the Daily Mail: “What are you gonna do? Be hungry every single day to make other people happy? That’s just dumb.”

But why? Why is such an un-womanly size being promoted as an ideal when women, in general, are clearly not made to look like that?

Yes, these girls can look great on screen and if they do naturally happen to be built like that, fine. But realistically, if you saw someone walking down the street looking as thin as your six-yearold daughter, niece, sister, would you think they looked great? Of course not. You’d probably want to jump out of the car, run over to them and hand them a big chip butty!

Catwalk models are often naturally very thin, but is it a size the rest of us should aspire to?

Here’s a hint: if you have to diet and starve yourself until you’re miserable, permanently hungry and the pressure is taking over your life, you’re probably not meant to be that teeny tiny size you’re aiming for. You’re also probably not going to be much fun to be around.

Instead, just choose the healthy options for your meals, do a regular work-out to fit in with your schedule and most of all, go out into the world, enjoy yourself and BE YOU.

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ME-TIME AT THE MAILBOX Make the most of the long, lazy days of late summer with a little treat at The Mailbox. Here’s our pick of the pampering on offer 1. Enjoy Le Petit Spa at Malmaison

If you’ve not been on holiday yet, book into the Mal’s gorgeous spa for your beach body ritual. You can have everything from cellulite-busting treatments to manicure and pedicure with Jessica nail products, exfoliation and St Tropez spray tan, waxing and a streamlining body wrap. Just back from the beach?

How about an ESPA facial or Hot Stone massage to keep that post-holiday glow? For more information on packages and prices, call Le Petit Spa on 0121 246 5000 or click on malmaison.com

2. Be pampered at Toni & Guy Essensuals With autumn just around the corner, it’s time for a new season look. Let Toni & Guy Essensuals advise you on a new cut or colour…or perhaps both! Consider a deep conditioning treatment to put back what the summer sun has taken out.

Book in for a consultation and get some expert tips on what your hair really needs. Call Toni & Guy Essensuals on 0121 643 3311.

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4. Take a leisurely lunch Summertime and the living is easy! Gather together with friends and family for a fun lunch at The Mailbox. You’re spoilt for choice, but we love the reliably great menu at Nando’s: it’s the best place to chill out with a bunch of mates. Or why not grab a gourmet burger at GBK? Try something new!

3. Bag a makeover at Harvey Nichols Head to the fantastic beauty counters at Harvey Nichols for a makeover. The makeup artists there are highly trained and can help create a whole new look, or just make you look yourself, but on a really great day! From anti-ageing skincare to the latest autumn colours from the likes of MAC, Benefit and NARS, the beauty hall is a treasure trove.

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8. Relax over a late drink at Bar Estilo

After a long day having fun in the sun, it’s good to unwind over a glass of chilled Champagne: head to the Harvey Nichols Champagne Bar to enjoy a fine glass of bubbly. Bar Estilo has amazing cocktails if you want a late-night vibe: on the cocktails menu areclassic martinis, sangria, mojito, margarita and more.

5. Make an investment at Emporio Armani The exquisite new autumn/winter ’14 collections arrive in-store at Emporio Armani this month so secure this season’s must-haves now. Our tip? Buy your winter coat early, because Emporio Armani’s are so beautifully tailored they sell out fast!

6. Sip cocktails at Bar Epernay The summer menu is called Seven Deadly Pimm’s, so you’re guaranteed there will be one to tempt your tastebuds! Bar Epernay is the perfect place to enjoy a few after-work drinks as the sun sets over Birmingham.

Or why not take in the live music and DJ sets at Bar Room Bar every weekend?

7. Dine at The Oriental What would August be without a treat or two? It’s summertime – still – so make the most of it while it lasts. Book a table at The Oriental and enjoy a romantic date night dinner: bring back a little of that holiday vibe! Call 0121 633 9988 to reserve your favourite table.

9. Stay the night at Malmaison The fun doesn’t have to end. Indulge in a night at Malmaison and you’ll feel like you’re on the best holiday ever, without having to leave your city!

Luxurious, elegant and with an emphasis on excellent service, the Mal is all you want in a hotel (and the breakfasts, brunches and lunches? Out of this world!). Go to malmaison.com to see the latest offers.

10. Last but not least… park for FREE! Who wants to walk home after a wonderful day at The Mailbox? Not us: that’s why we take the car because – a word to the wise – parking is FREE when you shop, dine or pamper (terms and conditions apply see mailboxlife.com/freeparking for details).

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COLOUR CO-ORDINATES Red, blue and gold are key shades for autumn. Try these treats, chosen by Constantine Tziambazis, Personal Shopping & Womenswear Manager at Harvey Nichols

McQ Alexander McQueen print scarf, £170

Shay & Blue Amber Rose EDP (100ml), £55

Michael Kors crossbody bag, £125

Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag, £175

Marc by Marc Jacobs charm bracelet, £85

Michael Kors tote, £310

Korres Nail lacquer in Midnight Blue, £6

Michael Kors watch, £229

Alexander McQueen De Manta clutch, £395

All available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, in store or via the new Click & Collect Service.

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Gold shopper, £175, Folli Follie, follifollie.co.uk

Backpac k, £40,

Embossed bag, £125, Love Moschino at House of Fraser

Wallis rks & Spencer

Silver, £29.50, Ma

NEW SEASON BAGS

Shoulder bag,

The Battersea, £189, Radley

Faux fur, £28, Dorothy Perkins

£16, Next

A chic bag in a classic palette or timeless print will be the hardest-working piece in your transition wardrobe

Neutral tote, £39, Accessorize

Leather bag, £149, H&M (in store September)

Slouchy bag, £229, Hobbs, hobbs.co.uk

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style men

FIRST LOOK House of Fraser’s new season collections mix biker style with old-school British sartorial savvy.

Think tailored coats, skinny jeans and brogue boots. This leather biker jacket is £300 by Label Lab, teamed with sweater, £100, J.Lindeberg, jeans, £60, Label Lab and croc backpack, £40, Mi Pac, all House of Fraser now.

n e m ews n e l sty GLOW ON If you’re off on a late summer holiday, be sure to pack a pair of the new glow-in-thedark Havaianas, £22.

They’ll come in handy if you can’t find your way back to the hotel at night…

Steal a march on the new season with our pick of autumn’s sharpest trends and must-have pieces

DO OR DYE Topman’s August tees mix pure cotton with a laidback tie-dye pattern, that’s California-influenced. As the new season collection arrives in-store, look out for soft sweats in the print, too. From £16.

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SLIM FIT EDITOR’S CHOICE Dior Homme sunglasses, £239, Harvey Nichols

The focus for autumn at Next is a slim-cut silhouette: expect waistcoats, granddad collar shirts, skinny jeans and classic coats tailored close to the body.

Shirt, £30, waistcoat, £38, jeans £50, boots £68.

Vivienne Westwood tartan messenger bag, £345, House of Fraser Givenchy adjustable watch, £640, Harvey Nichols

INVESTMENT BUY Marks & Spencer has scored a hit with its Best of British line for the last few seasons: Savile Row tailoring with top quality fabrics, but at affordable prices…and – bonus – all made in the UK. This must-have autumn wool coat is £449.

Must-Have Streetwear!

JUST LANDED One of the most sought-after names in streetwear, Virgil Abloh has arrived at Selfridges Birmingham as part of the store’s new, edgier A/W menswear offering. Favoured by some of the biggest names in rap music, including Kanye West who headlined Wireless Festival in the city this summer, the demand for Abloh’s designs has rocketed in the UK in recent years thanks to his high profile fanbase.

His latest line, Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, combines snapbacks, rucksacks, holdalls and other accessories with hooded sweaters, tees and coats.

Giuseppe Zanotti chain detail, £720

Jimmy Choo glitter, £495

RISE OF THE HI-TOP

Mr Hare, £350

From glitter detailing to studs and chains, there’s only one way to step out in style for the new season: in designer hi-tops. This selection is all from Harvey Nichols.

Versace studded, £580

TREND REPORT The new season’s key piece is a sharp suit in fine wool. We’ve had a preview of the new suit collection at Ted Baker and it’s razor-cut and classic, without losing edge. In store soon.

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style men

TREND: THE COMFORT ZONE Sophisticated and style-led comfort-wear is a key autumn trend, says Lizzy Gardner

A

new movement in menswear is upon us.

Reflective of today’s fast-paced lifestyle, men’s style has become more informal over the years with many workplaces now preferring a dressed-down culture. The lines between work-wear, leisure-wear and fitness-wear have never been more blurred, but does that mean anything goes?

While comfort no longer means foregoing style, there are still some simple style rules to ensure the look is sophisticated rather than sloppy.

The influence of sportswear has remained prominent in menswear design, yet comfort seekers have been left wanting a sportier yet stylish alternative to jeans. The answer: a new athletic, comfortable silhouette, most commonly referred to as the tracksuit-trouser. Leading this new trend in menswear are the likes of Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Antony Morato with jodhpur, harem and combat styles in a variety of fabrics. To style the trend, try pairing with a shirt, bomber jacket and brogues for a sporty, sartorial vibe or a loose tee, cardigan and loafers for laid-back, weekend style.

Trainers continue to rise in the style-stakes; practical and versatile, the modern urban man shouldn’t be without at least one go-to pair. There are two ways to go when it comes to trainers: retro or supermodern and the good news is both can be styled in the same way. So whether your style is classic (think New Balance, Converse and Adidas originals), or more avant garde (from the likes of Maison Martin Margiela), the key is not to cover them up (you probably spent a lot of money on them after all)! Keep pants slim with the hem turned up or go skinny with a slightly shorter crop at the ankle. Socks are fine providing they’re deliberate and make a statement, bringing the look together: plain black socks simply won’t cut it! Need help coordinating your colours?

Ask yourself, what colour tie would I wear with this outfit?’ (the same coordination applies to socks).

Holdall, £280, Ted Baker at House of Fraser Trainers, £95, Debenhams

When it comes to protection against the unpredictable British weather, tech-sporty jackets are the cool and functional way to stay dry this season.

Look out for cagoules in modern fabrics with mesh and zip details, or luxury parkas jackets in anything from tie-die to bold brights.

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style grooming

Summer’s scent story is straight from the citrus groves, with fresh notes of lime and bergamot

ORANGE GROVE

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ACQUA DI PARMA Arancia di Capri £78 - 100ml

THIS COMPANY ESCENTRIC 02 £71.50 - 100ml

VIKTOR&ROLF Spicebomb - Eau Fraîche £63 - 90ml

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CREED Virgin Island Water £160 - 75ml

ACQUA DI PARMA Photography: Mike Raven - mike-raven.co.uk

Bergamotto di Calabria £78 - 100ml

HUGO BOSS Boss £55 - 100ml

All fragrances are available at Harvey Nichols Birmingham issue 40

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style home

7 NEW SEASON IDEAS

Transition from summer to autumn with a fresh look for your home. Try these simple steps and new ideas: all from Ikea Birmingham, and all super-affordable

MAKEOVER THE KIDS’ ROOMS If the little ‘uns are unhappy about term time starting again, cheer them up with a mini makeover in their bedroom: you can even rope them in to help! A new set of linen adds instant colour and fun: Slingrig cushion, £5, Flyga quilt and pillowcase, £18.

SORT YOUR STORAGE Late summer and early autumn are times of transition and change: back to school, off to college, a new wardrobe for workwear. Sort out your storage and you can start the new season feeling in control of your stuff. The Hurdal linen cabinet, £175, is perfect to hide away bedlinen, blankets, winter and summer clothes, and accessories.

DECORATE FOR A PARTY Who needs an excuse to celebrate?

Whether it’s a birthday, brunch or ‘happy Friday’ cocktail party, there’s always a reason to bust out the bunting and have a good time with friends and family. The trend for home decoration is still hot: fill your entertaining space with white balloons, fabric bunting, fresh flowers and these gorgeous paper Visionar decorations, from £3.

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CREATE A CRAFT CORNER When the good weather waves goodbye and the nights get longer, it’s time to dig out your hobbies and get to work. If you like arts and crafts, why not make a designated craft corner in your home?

Fill it with colourful stationery and boxes, and it’ll lift your spirits: Sarskild notepads, from £1 Framstalla gift boxes, £4 for three.

ADD COLOUR WITH NEW CHINA INVEST IN LIGHTING If you’re on a budget and have no spare cash for a redecoration this side of 2015, make some small changes that will lighten and brighten your home. Statement lampshades are a great place to start and really make a difference to a room’s vibe: we love the colourful but chic Nymo lampshades, from £15 to £35.

BRIGHTEN UP A DARK CORNER Create a statement on a side table, mantelpiece or sideboard with a cluster of beautiful lamps. The Varby table lamps are just £10 but cast a delicate light that’s reminiscent of candlelight: but safer!

Pack away the melamine picnic plates and invest in some pretty new dinnerware for your table, once the nights start drawing in. Add a shot of colour and pattern to bring a little life to your supper parties.

Driftig china, from £2.50.

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RAISE A GLASS Whether you’re off glamping, having a barbie on the patio or taking a picnic to the park, this gorgeous galvanised drinks bucket - £29.50 at Marks & Spencer – will add a little Ralph Lauren vibe. Fill with ice and bottles of beer, wine and Champagne.

Tres New England…

STYLE LOVES Bathroom melamine tumblers, £4.95 each, H&M Home

TAKE A STAND Fill this stylish glass stand with cake and cookies through the cold months, then take off the lid and pile high with cheeses and crisp, cold grapes for summer lunches in the garden. We love its clean lines: it’ll never date. Cake stand, £75, The White Company in Selfridges.

PARTY NIGHT Dot these classic bamboo lanterns around the patio for an August party night: from £40, House of Fraser.

HOME NEWS

Make the most of high summer with cool shades at home and fun in the garden

COASTAL CALM

You may not be able to afford the services of the Beckham’s interior designer Kelly Hoppen but you can invest in a few of her homewares and channel a little star style. This unusual resin coral, £55, will add a beachy feel to a sidetable or mantelpiece: kellyhoppen.com

BARGAIN BUY Flamingo objet, £17, Debenhams

SLEEP IN

Summer can play havoc with our sleep patterns, with hot nights a recipe for insomnia. Opt for good oldfashioned science, with Silkskin super-soft and cool bedding. A favourite with celebrities such as Helena Bonham-Carter, Nigella Lawson and, it’s rumoured, several members of the Royal family, these pillowcases also reduce bedhead and protect skin from the signs of ageing. Pillowcases are priced at £44, with bedding starting from £140. They’re available from Harvey Nichols and silkskin.co.uk

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ESCAPE TO PARADISE St Barts is so exclusive you have to book six months in advance…so plan your winter sunshine now!

M

ix the elegance of the Riviera with the laidback vibe of the Caribbean and you’ve got Saint Barthélemy, a haven of pristine beaches, azure ocean and ultra-stylish hotels. This is where the jet set comes to wait out winter, and it’s not hard to see why: there’s a super-exclusive air to the island that’s much loved by the likes of Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart and A-list fashion maven Rachel Zoe. French-owned St Barts is tiny – just eight square miles - with only around 20 hotels and a selection of luxury secluded villas to rent. It’s not a cheap holiday option but for winter sun, it can’t be beaten: fabulous tax-free shopping and the ultimate in relaxing beachlife (bonus: all fourteen beaches are free access to the public). New Year to early spring is the best time to go, when the weather is hot and balmy with long days of glorious sun, but the hotels book up months in advance, so now is the time to secure your suite if you want to visit this coming winter or next spring.

Start by making the most of St Barts’ chic restaurants. Fresh Creole cuisine dominates the island, so sample some of the best waterside restaurants. Book a table at elegant Maya’s in the historic capital Gustavia, enjoy the view at On The Rocks at Eden Rock, the famous hotel that overlooks a coral reef (edenrockhotel.com), or try some South American dishes at the popular Do Brazil, co-owned

by French tennis star Yannick Noah, and perched on the cliffs above Shell beach (dobrazil.com).

Life on this upscale island revolves around the idyllic, and often very quiet beaches: watersports such as paddle-boarding, sailing and waterskiing are plentiful, and the powdery sands are backed by lush palm trees for privacy. St Barts is a great place to scuba-dive as the sapphire sea is warm and millpondcalm, hiding underwater worlds teeming with exotic fish and reefs to explore.

The sandy bays of St Barts regularly feature on lists of the world’s best beaches. Check out Baie De St Jean (a fave with celebs), L’Orient to spot turtles making their way up and down the beach, or wind your way through the trees to Anse Du Grand Colombier for a slice of absolute paradise.

Flamands Beach is regarded as St Barts’ finest stretch of sand. This is the kind of beach top photographers use for fashion shoots: white sand, turquoise sea. It’s one of the only beaches to offer rolling waves, though swimming is still very safe here, and it makes for fun boogie- or body-boarding. You can stay here, at the gorgeous Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, nestled in tropical gardens with only 39 rooms, suites and villas all individually decorated by renowned UK designer Penny Morrison, and with a luxury spa, too: rates from around £390 per night, room only (isle-de-france.com).

Paradise found.

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GETTING THERE Fly from Birmingham with US Airways (usairways.com) or from London Heathrow with BA (ba.com), Air France (airfrance.co.uk) or Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com) to St.Maarten, then take a short 10-minute plane ride to St Barts or a one-hour boat journey. Book via a travel operator to arrange all travel for you: try Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) or Elegant Resorts (elegantresorts.co.uk).

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TRAVEL NEWS Days out, fun trips and a travel competition for dog-lovers…

PET HOLIDAY Fancy winning a two-night trip to a pet-friendly cabin retreat for you and your pooch? Enter the SuperDogs Live contest, hosted by TV adventurer Ben Fogle, with the final at the National Pet Show in September at the NEC. Categories include Strictly Doggy Dancing, Most Talented Dog and Most Heroic Hound. Details at superdogslive.co.uk

YES, WE CANNES!

Enjoy the iconic Rivera hotspot on a budget? Easy, says Philip Ellis

GO WILD Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has been one of the UK’s best-loved attractions for more than 60 years but in 2014 there’s more reason to visit, thanks to a major new aquatic attraction with Humboldt penguins and stingrays. You can explore and interact with animals on foot including the Meerkat Walkthrough enclosure, or see the legendary Safari Park, home to tigers, wolves, rhino, giraffe, camel and monkeys: longleat.co.uk

STYLE LOVES Jadeco mobile charging luggage tag, from £30, wowthem.com

T

he Côte d’Azur has a global reputation as the playground of the super-rich, and Cannes is no exception, playing host to Hollywood’s elite each year. But you don’t need the budget of a billionaire to have your own Riviera adventure. Monarch operates flights from Birmingham to Nice from just £120, and then it’s just a short bus or train ride into the centre of Cannes, where hotels start at £50 per night. The first and most important thing to remember about travelling in the South of France if you want to stay thrifty; avoid taxis whenever possible!

boutiques, before being lured into a crêperie for a sweet or savoury treat. The same goes for eating out in the evening; if you are willing to explore the old town’s labyrinthine network of side streets, you will be rewarded with countless charming (and affordable) restaurants where the seafood on offer is to die for. That said, if you are keen to make the last night of your trip a little more memorable, save up some of your euros and make a reservation at Da Laura on Rue 24 Août, where their signature dish, White Truffle Risotto, will take you to heaven and back.

Luckily, once you get into Cannes you’ll find it is largely walkable, making it easy to enjoy a stroll along La Croisette, the stunning seafront boulevard, or take in Picasso’s nudes at the Centre d’Art La Malmaison. Alternatively, you can climb the hillside neighbourhood of Le Suquet, at the top of which you’ll find the Musée de la Castre, which offers discounted tickets to visitors aged 25 or under, not to mention some truly breathtaking views.

As far as after dinner nightlife goes, who needs private yachts and penthouse suites? Treat yourselves to a round of cocktails at The Majestic Hotel, or head straight for party central; the infamous Gutter Bar on La Croisette. It’s where locals, tourists and even the occasional celebrity all go to unwind, and on Friday nights the crowds spill out all the way across the Promenade and onto the beach.

In addition to the annual film festival, Cannes is renowned for its shopping. But if Gucci, Hermes and Prada aren’t in your price range, fear not.

Simply head to Rue Meynadier to browse smaller

One final word to the wise: Rosé is the tipple of choice wherever you go in Cannes. It flows like water, and don’t worry – even the burliest of men won’t look out of place holding a pink-hued glass.

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SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR WORKOUT

If you’re a runner you might be surprised to find out that the best tempo to run at is not dance and house music, but hip hop. This is because the average runner will do between 150 to 190 strides per minute. So if you split this in half you get around 75 to 95 strides/beats per minute, which is around the average tempo of an R&B or hip hop song. We’re told that dance and house music is best for weight lifting and pop music will do the trick for your warm-up and stretching.

It doesn’t have to be music you listen to though, but this comes with a warning. I once tried to do a workout while listening to a stand-up comedy routine from Joe Rogan on my iPhone. He’s a funny guy, so bursting out with laughter halfway through a squat was not a good look, trust me!

Another warning though, if you’re using your phone put your call divert on. There’s nothing worse than blasting up a hill in record time while listening to your favourite song, only to be rudely interrupted by your mum wanting to know how to work the Sky + remote. Stick it into airplane mode and you’re good to go.

Don’t forget where you are: you may love Journey but nobody else wants to hear you singing along at the top of your lungs while attempting the splits.

We’re well and truly in the era of fashion headphones now but MASSIVE headphones and gyms don’t mix well. They’ll feel really heavy on your head, you’ll get sweat all over them and you’ll look like a plonker. Stick to the ones designed for workouts. You’ll forget you’re even wearing them.

One final thing piece of advice. Get one of those arm straps to stick your phone in, or a pocket with a zip – I’ve smashed two screens when my phone has flew out my unzipped pocket during some aggressive star jumping!

92 BPM Ideal for - Mental preparation

LAPDANCE - N.E.R.D 102 BPM Ideal for - Stretching

AZEALIA BANKS - 212 126 BPM Ideal for - Aerobic/Warm up

LITTLE MIX - MOVE 120 BPM Ideal for - Aerobic/Warm up

NEED U 100% - DUKE DUMONT FT A*M*E 124 BPM Ideal for - Cardio training (low intensity)

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Tune into the Capital breakfast show with Dan and Katy, weekdays from 6-10am.

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PREPARE

do the same run the next day but include some tunes. I guarantee the second option will give you a quicker time and a more enjoyable experience.

KATY PERRY - ROAR

WARM UP

So where do you start? Well, obviously, listening to something that you like is a good place to begin. Although a friend of mine swears on his life that listening to songs by artists he hates gives him enough angry energy to get through his routine.

All I know is that music will make your workout so much better. Try going for a run without it and then

THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT PLAYLIST

DISCLOSURE - STIMULATION

CARDIO

You could always trust the gym to serve up a playlist for you but this can be hit and miss at the best of times. The mainstream high street gyms tend to have a ‘safe’ pop-laced soundtrack that often won’t even be loud enough, while some of the specialist gyms go the opposite way and hit you with a hardcore jungle rave at 8am.

Another thing that works for me is listening to a few ‘old skool’ songs in my workout playlist. At 35 it reminds me of being younger, full of beans and ready to take out my rage on the weights. So make sure you stick a couple of your classics in there.

129 BPM Ideal for - Cardio training (moderate intensity)

NI**AS IN PARIS – JAY Z & KANYE WEST 139 BPM Ideal for - Cardio training (high intensity)

HAPPY - PHARRELL WILLIAMS 160 BPM Ideal for - Cardio training (very high intensity)

STRENGTH

Working out without a soundtrack is a bit like driving with the radio off or watching a film without sound. A carefully selected soundtrack can make even the most brutal workout much easier to handle.

Capital FM DJ Dan Kelly on the importance of music as a motivator…and why you should always take your headphones to the gym

THE MONSTER - EMINEM FT RIHANNA 110 BPM Ideal for - Stength training

#THATPOWER - WILL.I.AM FT JUSTIN BIEBER 128 BPM Ideal for - Strength training

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FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2014, £10.99, supermarkets Bursting with zesty lime, enjoy this wine with chicken or seafood salad, or share at a barbecue: it pairs well with smoky sauces and chargrilled vegetables.

Picpoul de Pinet, Les Girelles 2013, £9.99, Oddbins Notes of fresh citrus, this is perfect easy drinking for balmy summer evenings or days out in the countryside.

WEEKEND TREAT The Summer Fusions Sleekster, £24, Hotel Chocolat in Bullring, is full of fruity, tropical flavours, and the ideal way to eat chocolate in high summer!

RICKY WU’S HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN

In autumn, I always try to give my dishes an added spice. A particular favourite of mine is a regular on the Henry Wong Menu – our delicious Honey Pepper Chicken, which is really energised by the extra black pepper.

CHARRED SQUID WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

We recently held a food and wine pairing evening at the restaurant, showcasing our great selection of beverages from around the world.

Making sure that your wine matches the dish you’re creating really is vital when putting together the perfect meal.

Serves: 4 • Prep time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 10 minutes Ingredients:

For the Chimichurri sauce:

4 squid or prawns, if preferred (Ask your fishmonger to clean the squid for you) 2 tbsp light olive oil 1 lemon 1 pinch black pepper 2 packs of Tilda Brazilian Samba Rice

2 red chillies deseeded, finely chopped 8 garlic cloves finely chopped 1 bunch flat leaf parsley finely chopped 1/2 bunch fresh oregano finely chopped 5 tbsp red wine vinegar 5-6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Splash of water (about 50 ml) 1 tsp chipotle paste (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Mix together all the ingredients for the chimichurri sauce and set aside until needed. Slice open the squid and using the tip of a very sharp knife make very shallow cuts on the inside of the squid (1-2 mm deep) about half a centimetre apart.

Cut the squid into 3-4 lengthways then cut those across in half. Stir through the olive oil and black pepper. Heat a griddle pan until very hot, nearly smoking, and cook the squid for 2 minutes then squeeze over the lemon and set aside.

Heat the Tilda Brazilian Samba Rice as per the cooking instructions; place the squid on top and spoon over the chimichurri. This is also delicious with large prawns or, for a change, you could serve the squid and the prawns together.

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Ricky Wu, head chef at award-winning Cantonese restaurant Henry Wong in Harborne, shares the perfect early autumn dish

A spicy dish like this one partners extremely well with a Gewurztraminer, originally from the Rene Mure region of France. Literally translated as ‘spicy grape’, the full bodied white wine is packed full of gingerbread, peppermint, cloves and pepper balanced with fresh fruits and citrus. It’s got just the right amount of kick.

Ingredients:

Method

2 chicken breasts 475g of corn flour ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper ½ teaspoon of garlic 2 table spoons of honey ½ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of sugar ½ teaspoon of light soya sauce 1 egg Oil

1. Dice chicken into cubes and marinade with salt, sugar and soya sauce 2. Add the egg and coat with corn flour 3. Fry in heated oil until cooked and set aside 4. Set fresh wok at medium heat and add ½ table spoon of oil 5. Fry garlic and black pepper and stir gently until fragrant 6. Add chicken and honey to the mix, quickly stir and serve 7. Enjoy!

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AL FRESCO AUGUST

British shallots are in season, so try these two terrific picnic recipes TATIN OF SHALLOTS AND PORT WITH CREAMY GOATS CHEESE, HONEY AND HAZELNUT DRESSING You’ll need:

What to do:

250g puff pastry 300g peeled whole round shallots 250ml port 50g butter 100g goat’s cheese 50g whole blanched toasted hazelnuts or walnuts 50ml olive oil or hazelnut oil 10g Dijon mustard 10g honey 10ml white wine vinegar 50g wild rocket Salt and pepper

Roll out the puff pastry to 10 inch round. Add 50g of the butter to an 8 inch non-stick pan allow to melt, then add the peeled shallots and season with the salt and pepper. Cook on top of the stove gently or even in the oven until the shallots are ¾ cooked.

Add the port to the hot pan and cook on the top of the stove until all of the port has evaporated.

Allow the shallots to go cold. Cover with the pastry and tuck the pastry down the sides of the pan to completely obscure the Shallots from your vision. Prick a few times with the tip of a small knife.

Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 20–25 mins

Whilst it is in the oven make your vinaigrette by mixing the mustard, honey and vinegar together.

Now slowly add in the oil to ensure the vinaigrette comes together and emulsifies.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow to settle for 5 minutes before turning out on to your chosen service dish.

Crumble over the goat’s cheese and scatter round the toasted hazelnuts. Liberally spoon around the vinaigrette and scatter over the wild rocket. Serve immediately.

SHALLOT DARTOIS Serves: 4 Preparation time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes You’ll need:

What to do:

16 echalion (banana) shallots 100g butter 1 bottle of red wine 10g thyme 50g caster sugar 200g puff pastry

Peel and finely slice the shallots lengthways. In a heavy bottomed pan add the butter and allow to sizzle. Now add all of the sliced shallots, season with salt and pepper and allow to cook down for about 10 minutes.

Once the shallots start to lose their volume in the pan, add the wine, thyme and sugar and continue to cook until all of the liquid has evaporated. Once this has been achieved remove from the heat, you should be left with a rich, deep, dark red shallot mixture that sticks together. Allow to cool.

Roll out the puff pastry until it is 3 to 5 mm thick. Brush with an egg yolk and place a ‘sausage’ of the cold shallot mixture 1 inch away from the edge nearest you. Roll up as you would if making a sausage roll. Brush with the egg mix and allow to set in the fridge.

When required place on a non-stick tray and bake at 200c for 12–15 minutes.

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APPS TO TICKLE YOUR fancy

According to recent studies, at least one in five couples in the UK met online, and with more than half of Brits seeking a partner on the internet, that number is on the rise. In a modern, transparent world where finding love online is increasingly becoming the norm, people no longer feel too embarrassed to admit that they’re giving dating apps a try.

It makes perfect sense, especially if you are part of a younger generation. When you are living your entire life through social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, what is so strange about finding a partner the same way?

Whether you’re looking for your soulmate or just a summer fling, there’s an app out there to make your search a little easier. And we’re here to help you find the perfect match.

In the mood for a bit of fun?

Download Tinder Since exploding onto our smartphones last year, Tinder has completely changed how people connect. Namely, it has removed frivolous factors like profession, background or worldview, and boiled

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Looking for love? Philip Ellis suggests the best dating apps

the art of attraction down to one key decider: the photo. The app works simply enough; it shows you pictures of singles in your area, and you swipe left to dismiss them or right if you like the cut of their jib. If that person swipes right on your photo, congrats! You’ve got yourself a match, and the two of you can start chatting.

Alright, so it’s not quite that shallow. If you tap on somebody’s picture you can find out where they’re from and view a short bio – but most people only do that once they’ve already decided their prospective suitor is a hottie. Tinder isn’t the place to form meaningful connections; the app is designed to lower your attention span and turn dating into a game. But as long as you’re aware of this going in, you’ll have all kinds of fun, although the swiping can get pretty addictive, and may even replace Angry Birds or Candy Crush as your favourite way of passing the time and exercising your thumbs.

Want a touch of romance? Try LoveFlutter A relatively new startup, LoveFlutter makes connections between people based on their shared interests, which the app accesses through your Facebook account. Then the magic plays out like an old school episode of Blind Date. Members start by providing a fun or interesting fact about themselves; this is the first thing that people see, and it is only after they have swiped up (for yes) or down (for no) that they see what you look like.

This keeps things interesting, as you have to slow down the swiping long enough to actually read each tidbit of information, and it will make you feel all the less shallow for doing so.

Ready to find ‘the one’? Say OkCupid

and block a lot of perverts before you can find your Prince Charming.

OkCupid has been on the scene for years, forging a reputation as one of the first mainstream dating websites before ultimately evolving into a popular mobile app. Founder Christian Rudder recently revealed that the data boffins at OkCupid have been playing around with their love matches; for instance, setting up couplings with a low compatibility rating and telling them that they are made for each other, just to see if there is anything in the old adage that ‘opposites attract’.

For girls who like girls: Brenda

While it might seem odd for a dating service to conduct these kinds of experiments on its members, it also means you’re more likely to come into contact with a diverse range of people, and you never know when sparks might fly.

?

For boys who like boys: Grindr There are a multitude of gay dating apps out there, but Grindr is probably the closest thing that this cottage industry has to a household name. Grindr lets you browse and chat with single guys in your area, and you can even set your profile to tell people exactly what it is you’re looking for.

Fair warning; even if your profile states that you’re just looking to make new friends, you are still more than likely to receive the occasional unsolicited photo of an anatomical nature, if you catch the drift. But as the saying goes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs

Brenda operates much like Grindr, showing you the girls in your area and enabling you to see who has viewed your profile. Other features include search filters, video messaging, and a four digit passcode to protect your privacy. With its special focus on the privacy and security of its users, Brenda is the most popular lesbian dating app in the world, and was voted Dating Service of the Year in 2013.

Online Dating Facts: 67% of singles know couples who’ve met through online dating 75% of women say posting sexy photos is a big turn off Today 33% of couples have met online.

By 2040 this number will rise to 70% datingsitesreviews.com 1/10/14

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Clothes Show Liv e Is Back!

THE HOTTEST TICKET OF 2014 It’s time to make space in your wardrobe: CLOTHES SHOW LIVE, in association with alcatel onetouch, returns to the nec Birmingham this December With more than 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, Champagne bars, hair and beauty demonstrations and style advice, it’s the ultimate girls’ day out!

Take your seat in the award-winning ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre for a 45-minute catwalk spectacular featuring more than 40 international models and dancers, celebrity presenters and top music acts. Already confirmed for this year’s show: hot new girl band Neon Jungle, British music talent Jetta, onscreen favourite Rick Edwards, fashion designer Henry Holland and the cheekiest chap in Chelsea Jamie Laing.

Fancy a modelling future for yourself?

Learn the tips and tricks of the industry in a Model Masterclass and look out for casting opportunities as SELECT Model Management scout the crowds for emerging talent. Be inspired by collections from major fashion houses on the Designer Catwalk or discover new emerging designers in the Graduate ASOS Marketplace.

Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, fuel inspiration for a career in fashion, or meet your favourite celebrities, prepare to immerse yourself in the world’s largest fashion festival!

WIN TWO FREE TICKETS! Style Birmingham has teamed up with The Clothes Show Live to offer ONE lucky reader and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious fashion event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, enter online at stylebirminghamMAG.com. The winner will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid across all days of the show.

So what are you waiting for? Enter today!

SECURE YOUR PLACE: BUY TICKETS NOW Don’t worry, if you’re not a lucky winner of our ticket competition you can still buy tickets to the show by visiting the website clothesshowlive.com or calling 0844 581 1256.

For group bookings of 10+ visit: clothesshowlive.com/group or call 0800 358 0058.

STANDARD TICKET: £29 - includes entrance to Clothes Show Live and a dedicated seat in the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fashion Theatre.

PLATINUM TICKET: £42 - includes entrance to Clothes Show Live, the best seats in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre, Priority entry into the Fashion Theatre, an official show guide, souvenir show bag and show band with exclusive at-show discounts.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT TICKET: £26 - includes entry to Clothes Show Live and a dedicated seat in the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fashion Theatre.

Only with a valid student card which must be shown on entrance.

For more information, visit the Clothes Show Live website: clothesshowlive.com Facebook: facebook.com/ClothesShow Twitter: @Clothesshow issue 40

EXPLORING BIRMINGHAM’S HIDDEN GEM

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stone’s throw from the Bullring, The Custard Factory has always been seriously cool, and one of the most unique places outside of London. Some say it’s Birmingham’s answer to London’s Shoreditch, whilst others mistakenly assume it is mainly a hipster zone. The truth is there’s something for everyone, as we discovered on our day at The Custard Factory.

This year The Custard Factory celebrates its coming of age, and there’s one thing that’s for sure, it’s come into its own and is now a destination in its own right. Momentum is building in this alternative hotspot, as weekly events and fairs are pulling in a whole new mix of people and a wealth of shops and interesting venues are now making the creative quarter their new home. The term ‘not on the high street’ is particularly apt when talking about The Custard Factory. The whole ethos is about providing something totally different, whether it’s the high-quality goods or first class service in the unique independents; they all go that extra mile to help you find what you’re looking for.

“Every girl wants the Marilyn Monroe experience” Ladies coming to The Custard Factory need to make Le Keux their first pit spot. The 50s Americana-style beauty salon makes you feel as though you’ve walked onto the set of Grease. Rock around the Clock is playing in the background, the décor is pastel pink and baby blue and everything from furnishings to the stylists’ looks true to the era; every fine detail is flawlessly retro. As well as providing hair styling, vintage inspired makeup and a retro nail bar, the thriving salon has this year expanded to house a barbers and 50s style milkshake diner.

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Le Keux isn’t just a haven for hard-core vintage fans and rockabillies. As vintage has come into the mainstream, more people are wanting a taste of it. Of course you don’t have to commit to the full look, you can choose to just sample one element, although I’m told after seeing the results of one treatment, many women want the whole works and I can see why.

MUST-SEE SHOPS Cocktail Cosmetics The newly opened boutique is not your traditional beauty counter. It provides sweet smelling candles and niche makeup brands that you wouldn’t find on the high street.

Adee Phelan The award-winning hairdresser Before

I’ve chosen a full 50s makeover with a curl-set hair style and classic vintage inspired makeup look. Hot lips and cat flicks are their speciality and they use their own range of Le Keux cosmetics to achieve my transformation to Hollywood siren. “Every girl wants the Marilyn Monroe experience”, Le Keux stylist Amy tells me. “It’s a look that suits everyone and makes you feel like a pinAfter up girl for the day”. The party packages are popular for hen parties and birthdays and offer the whole vintage experience along with burlesque taster sessions, afternoon tea and a pin-up girl photo shoot. I’m astonished with the results and a before and after reveals I’ve truly been transformed into a 50s Hollywood bombshell. It’s a real confidence booster and the perfect treat for any girl who loves to be pampered.

whose star-studded client list boasts the likes of Tom Daley and Peter Crouch, has relocated to the creative quarter and created a bigger and more urban space for his salon. A clinic specialising in non-surgical and skin rejuvenation treatments also runs on site.

Nails by Rosie The hugely talented Rosie creates one of a kind art works you’d have never dreamed possible, from Cara Delevingne themed nails to on-trend embellishments and studs. This women creates miracles.

If you’re after a new lunchtime haunt, Alfie Bird’s is the place to be. Set over an impressive four floors, this pizzeria, music venue, retro cocktail lounge and creative space is basically anything you want it to be. It’s chilled out vibe and anything goes attitude makes it all too easy to relax the day away sipping on their unique blend of moreish cocktails.

Behind a secret door in a sliding bookcase is the uber cool Oobleck venue, which plays host to weekly gigs from local and touring bands on the verge of making it big in the music industry. Music events are an eclectic mix of all genres, in keeping with the Custard

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Factory ethos. We’re recommended the goat’s cheese and red onion and Alfie’s club pizza from the list of tempting gourmet pizzas. The goat’s cheese melts in your mouth and the added drizzle of balsamic was a really nice touch. The mozzarella topped with crispy bacon and chicken meat feast was just as tasty. I was so grateful that the slices I couldn’t finish were boxed up for me to enjoy later that evening.

Favourite cocktails include the Tequila Colada, a classic Pina Colada with a sharp, but not overpowering kick of chilli at the end. Blush is a summer fruits fusion with a pleasant after taste of sherbet Dip Daps and a new cocktail in the works is the delectably sounding ‘Lemon Meringue Pie’, a well-balanced creamy concoction which really does taste like the dessert. It’s the little touches that make this place so special, from the quirky red phone box turned photo-booth to the 70s retro inspired wallpaper and bar made from scaffolding boards. It’s clear to see, Alfie Bird’s has been made with love.

Left for Dead is not your average run-of-the-mill record shop. Owner Andy has been immersed in music for 22 years having previously worked at HMV for 12 years before starting his own venture. He’s created a friendly and relaxing atmosphere which makes it an intimate hangout for music lovers. If you’re unable to find exactly what you’re looking for, Andy will do his best to get hold of it or pull from his vast musical knowledge and recommend something just as good. Left for Dead not only stocks great music books and a wide range of genres on vinyl and CD, it also hosts in-store performances from up and coming local bands as it endeavours to provide a cool alternative from the mainstream.

Just around the corner is the newly opened Mockingbird Theatre. A creative community hub that embraces a mix of established and new talent, independent screenings and a diverse array of upcoming events from comedy shows to game nights and live music. Each event here is unique, but with such a mix there’s something for everyone.

The Mockingbird bar exudes an old-school Chicago glamour with a wall displaying framed signed images of iconic Hollywood stars. The only bar stocks the best quality spirts, premium beers and craft al es from around the world. You’re unlikely to recognise many names but that’s the great thing about it, it’s a one- off.

Next, we moved onto arguably one of the trendiest shops in the whole of the Custard Factory. More

by Design is an independent boutique offering contemporary furnishings and stylish homewares.

Aesthetically pleasing, whitewash walls create a DIY aesthetic. The cushions, lamps and rugs are a happy mix of colourful ethnic and retro prints and pretty shabby chic designs. The bespoke looks are 90 per cent their own designs and whilst they follow the latest trends in design they also create their own trends.

Notably, their commitment to promoting new talent is impressive, as they run competitions with local universities giving students the unique opportunity to showcase their own designs in-store. The customer service is what really stands out. Every shopper gets a friendly one-to-one experience and can even take an active part in the design process of their chosen item.

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“The Custard Factory has a DIY culture; it’s a fun playground for creative people who are encouraged to give it a go” If you’re a man who appreciates great art, music and design, then Provide is place for you. Next door to the Zellig building, the alternative lifestyle brand aims to encourage and inspire men to fulfil their potential.

It’s targeted at creatives and their range of clothes and accessories have a heavy graphic influence that gives a street-style edginess. To complement the garments, there’s also a unique selection of magazines, many of which you wouldn’t find elsewhere in Birmingham and all their in-store books are hand-picked and given the Provide seal of approval. “The Custard Factory has a DIY culture; it’s a fun playground for creative people who are encouraged to give it a go”, says Provide creator Matt.

Think back to the days where Fila, Ellesse and Diadora ruled the streets.

Walking into Modern Casuals you relive memories of the football culture and casual men’s looks from iconic British films like Football Factory.

The shop proudly supplied the clothing to the film The Firm and cult classic The Business featuring Danny Dyer. Modern Casuals is a football fan’s dream and is dedicated to 70s, 80s and 90s men’s retro casual gear. It doesn’t take long until we spot classic pieces like the Fila striped tracksuit jackets, Ellesse t-shirts and the Nike pool sliders that have recently come back in vogue.

The ever changing space has truly shed its past ‘nightclub’ image and is a buzzing hub with a happening scene which is engaging more and more people. Most people love the idea of independent shops and now that the Custard Factory has really hit its stride, there’s lots of reasons to visit. Give it a try and you may be surprised at what you find.

To find out more visit custardfactory.co.uk

LATEST EVENTS: City of Colour- Birmingham Street Art Festival, September 6 Watch Digbeth be transformed into an urban masterpiece as it becomes one of the UK’s largest outdoor art galleries. The festival will be a celebration of urban art forms and free workshops in DJing, breakdance and graffiti will give everyone the opportunity to get involved in this exciting event.

GEEK expo- The place to Meet Make & Play, September 19-23 Heroes and Villains invade the Custard Factory for a weekend of gaming fun. First sign up for tournaments. Then choose your battlefield from PlayStation to Nintendo and pick one of hundreds of cult classics and contemporary games to fight for your side.

Fazeley Studios Wedding Fair, September 14 The wedding experts at Fazeley Studios will help to take away the stress of organising your big day.

Local wedding suppliers and creative businesses will showcase their wares and there will be hair demonstrations, wine tasting and lots more that will be sure to give you plenty of inspiration for your perfect bespoke wedding.

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LIVING ROOM

THE LIVING ROOM LIVE OUR NEW LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS FEATURING SOME OF THE CITY’S MOST TALENTED MUSICIANS FROM JAZZ TO SOUL AND SWING FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NUVOBAR.COM 0121 631 1600 RESERVATIONS@NUVOBAR.COM NUVO BAR 11 BRINDLEYPLACE BIRMINGHAM B1 2LP

E V E R Y

T H U R S D A Y

L O U N G E

BOTTLED BEER £3 SELECTED COCKTAILS £4 BOTTLED WINE £10

B A R

OYSTERS & CHAMPAGNE FROM £30

OUR BRAND NEW BESPOKE TAPAS MENU NOW AVAILABLE

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SUMMER SPA

Like most of us, Tara Tomes loves a spa day and here picks the best pampering places in the city

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I also recently indulged in one of the ESPA body wraps (£60 for 1 hour), which was a much-needed hangover cure to help get rid of toxins from a summer BBQ party. Walking into the Mal always feels like you’re on holiday – step through the door and you’re immediately a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city – and the spa is an ideal getaway, whether it’s an hour or overnight stay. Even better, MalBar and Brasserie are a great location for a winddown lunch or Friday night cocktails! Le Petit Spa is small but perfectly formed, with its relaxation room, GymTonic gym, Jacuzzi and steam rooms.

At One Day Spa 10 Great Western Arcade I discovered this hidden gem earlier in the year and have since then become a regular customer. They offer every treatment that you’d find at a top ‘out of town’ spa but right on the doorstep of the city’s shopping area and business quarter. My hot tip here is a Dermalogica prescriptive facial (£50) which includes skin-mapping, steam treatments and some fabulous Dermalogica treatments. I couldn’t believe how clean and soft my skin felt after my first one: as a result, I’m now booked in for monthly treatments and my bathroom looks like a Dermalogica showroom. Living and working in a busy city can take its toll – not to mention the effects of sunlight on your skin – so this is a great way to give back some of what your skin needs.

Highfield Beauty

“Walking into the Mal always feels like you’re on holiday”

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t seems pretty unbelievable but we’ve actually had a summer this year. Sir Soleil left the south of France, hopped on the Eurostar and gave us every excuse to hit our nearest beer garden or stretch of coastline. With the sun, of course, comes the pressure of a summer wardrobe and the countless questions you ask yourself… is it acceptable to go bare leg? Can I rock these sandals without a pedicure?

Why does the humidity hate my hair so much? Being a beach babe really is a challenge so I’ve pretty much given up and opted for the ‘city girl who always looks too hot’ look.

Instead of spending my days sweating it out in the gym and juicing everything in my house to within an inch of its life, this summer is all about a different kind of TLC... a TLC that Birmingham can give me

very readily. Yes, 2014 is the year of the summer spa treatment and here are my top spa picks from this fair city of ours.

If you’re anything like me then finding a day or weekend for a much-needed spa break is near impossible. Thankfully, there has been a rise in fabulous day spas, which are situated in the heart of the city and allow you to pop in for a quick wax, manicure, massage or facial.

Le Petit Spa Malmaison, The Mailbox, 1 Wharfside Street I’ve been a fan of Le Petit Spa at Malmaison for a long time and the deep tissue massage (£42 for ½ hour or £67 for 1 hour) has been one of my top rescue remedies since joining the stressful world of work.

23a Highfield Road, Edgbaston My office is based in Edgbaston so sometimes I like to avoid the city centre and take in my leafy surroundings. When the day gets too much or I’m just too busy to prepare for a crazy weekend ahead, I always book in at Highfield Beauty. An oasis in Edgbaston, it has recently moved from Five Ways island to Highfield Road and is part of my summer weekend preparation. A fabulous building with friendly staff and a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere, Highfield Beauty keeps me feeling great. I’m a big fan of sandals so the pedicure (£26 for 45 minutes) is a must. Likewise, for all of those dresses that warrant bare legs I owe the world some smooth skin and the Highfield girls are great at waxing (£16 for half leg and £20 for full leg). Even better, the location is perfect for a quick after work treatment and drink, particularly with the arrival of the likes of Norjske and The Edgbaston.

theclubandspa The Cube, Birmingham Sometimes, however, life gets a little too much and a quick half-day spa session just won’t cut it.

For those moments, theclubandspa at The Cube is a great getaway. They do a fabulous full day Spa Retreat (£110 from Monday-Thursday and £115 from Friday-Sunday), which includes full use of facilities, lunch, salt halotherapy treatment and choice of one of six fabulous additional treatments. If you want to treat someone else, as well as yourself, there’s a similar package for mothers and daughters (£120) and they’ve even got couples’ treatment rooms so that you can relax and unwind together. The facilities at theclubandspa are great; I’m a big fan of the Vitality Pool (it’s not big enough for a ‘proper swim’ so the perfect excuse to just relax) and the dry flotation suite.

It’s also based in the perfect location for post-spa dinner and drinks at The Mailbox.

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Style Exclusive !

CUSTARD TREATS The Custard Factory is giving one lucky Style Birmingham reader £50 to spend in any of its shops, bars or salons This year marks The Custard Factory’s 21st birthday and to celebrate we’ve teamed up to give one very lucky Style Birmingham reader the chance to win £50 to spend in any of its shops, bars or salons.

The Custard Factory offers a unique shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Birmingham or outside London for that matter. There’s an array of top quality independent retailers, superb eateries and lots of special entertainment events. In fact, there’s something for everyone and with such an array of diverse outlets, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice.

For your chance to win, just sign up to the newsletter, Hot Custard, by sending your name and email address to km@fazeleystudios.com with the subject line ‘WIN WITH STYLE’.

Get a Style Makeover with Adee Phelan!

Recently relocated to The Custard Factory, the award-winning celebrity hairdresser’s clients include Sarah Harding and David Beckham, and now it’s your turn to have the celebrity experience at a snip of the price.

Exclusive to Style Birmingham, the first 30 people to telephone the new salon will get a 60% discount on a cut and colour with Adee himself.

Just call 0121 643 7921 and quote ‘Style Birmingham’. Other fantastic offers include 30% off all hair services and 50% off makover and photoshoot packages.

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THE VAMPS NIA, October 5 After supporting Taylor Swift and Mcfly’s UK shows, The Vamps have announced their debut tour for 2014 and will stop off in Birmingham for one unmissable appearance. Since forming only two years ago, they’ve been stirring up a global storm with girls everywhere falling at their feet. The teenage phenomenon features brilliant home-grown talent in the form of lead singer Brad Simpson from Sutton Coldfield and bassist Connor Ball from Warwickshire. They’ve already reached number two in the UK charts with their debut single ‘Can We Dance’ and Birmingham fans are sure to be blow away by their upcoming performance. £65 nia.co.uk

FUSION FESTIVAL Cofton Park, Birmingham, August 30-31 Fusion Festival is back in Birmingham by popular demand for the second year. The line-up includes The Vamps, Ella Henderson and Pixie Lott; Pitbull headlines on Saturday and Jessie J on Sunday. In support of the Prince’s Trust, this will be ‘the’ festival to close the summer season.

Tickets from £39

WHAT’S ON

MS LAURYN HILL O2 Academy, September 23 After two sell-out performances in London, due to enormous demand two new UK dates have been announced, with one in Birmingham. The ‘Ready or Not’ artist first rose to fame in 1994 as lead singer of The Fugees and went on to achieve global solo success with ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ album in 1998. This a unique opportunity to see the Queen of R&B in the flesh and is not one to be missed.

Tickets from £39.37

MUSIC

ELLA EYRE The Institute, October 1 Since the 20-year-old Brit award winner topped the charts with her Rudimental collaboration on ‘Waiting all Night’, she’s become a force to reckoned with in the music industry. She’s spent the last year touring with some of the biggest acts in the charts and is now giving fans the chance to experience one of the UK’s most exciting new talents, all for the bargain price of £14.50.

Get your tickets from mamacolive.com/ theinstitute

THE SATURDAYS: GREATEST HITS LIVE NIA, September 15 Britain’s chart topping girl-group are here for one night only to inject some poptastic fun into September.

Fans can expect top hits like ‘Up’, ‘Higher’ and ‘What about us?’ plus three new tracks from their latest Greatest Hits album. It’s guaranteed to get you up on your feet!

Tickets £31.50 nia.co.uk

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MUDDERELLA UK Boughton House, Kettering, August 30

CITY OF COLOURS

Get ready to embrace the mud as this global obstacle course event, designed by women, for women hits the Midlands. The five to seven mile course is set around 12-15 challenges, and with obstacles such as the ‘50 Shades of Mud’ and ‘Dirty Downward Dog’, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Birmingham Street Art Festival, Digbeth, September 6-7 Birmingham will be awash with colour this September as it plays host to the city’s first major urban art street festival. The unique event hopes to bring together all ages and communities through a mutual love of art. Established street artists will work alongside upcoming talent to transform Digbeth into one of the UK’s biggest live outdoor art galleries. Ever fancied giving break dancing a go? With a multitude of free workshops ranging from graffiti and break dancing to djing and digital photography, fans of urban art forms will be spoilt for choice.

Get your tickets now for £89

RIVERDANCE 2014

NIA, September 23-25

WHAT’S ON

LEE EVANS: MONSTERS NIA, September 17-21

It was in 1994 during an interval at the Eurovision Song Contest that the global dancing phenomenon first exploded onto our screen.

It has since been seen by 26 million audiences worldwide and is now proudly celebrating 20 years of mesmerizing performances. Book early for an unmissable show.

OUT & ABOUT

Tickets £44 nia.co.uk

One of the nation’s best-loved comedians returns to the NIA for his biggest show to date. Monsters is set to be Lee’s most ambitious arena tour with a staggering 71 dates booked, including five nights in Birmingham. Join the fun with a night of sidesplitting laughs from the king of comedy himself.

Tickets prices start at £33.50

BIRMINGHAM INDEPENDENT FOOD FAIR Millennium Point, September 13 Savour what Birmingham has to serve up at the annual event showcasing the finest produce from local independent food and drink traders. Experience the city’s vibrant dining scene and tuck into the delicious wide range of culinary treats on offer. Sharpen up your cooking expertise with hands-on workshops and cooking demonstrations whilst learning the craft of cocktail mixing.

Prices start from £7.50, which includes eight free samples. Purchase your ticket from bhamindfoodfair.co.uk

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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Birmingham Hippodrome, September 30- October 4 The world’s best loved fairy-tale is brought to life by the Royal Birmingham Ballet in this spellbinding performance of Beauty and the Beast. The story of a wicked prince, cursed and stripped of his humanity is doomed to spend eternity in seclusion, unless he gets Belle to fall in love with him. It’s the must-see love story of the year.

Tickets from £16

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE New Alexandra Theatre, September 12 Let us tempt you with this daring burlesque spectacle.

Fresh from London’s West End, there’s a hot new cast for 2014. Following a sellout international tour, this best-selling show bursts into the New Alexandra Theatre with lots of enticing treats in store. There’s a winning combination of Las Vegas showgirls and Parisian glamour matched with steamy vocals and thrilling magic acts.

It’s without a doubt all tease and no sleaze.

Tickets start at £27.40

WHAT’S ON

THEATRE

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE New Alexandra Theatre, August 24 Thirty dancers and a live traditional Irish band will welcome you to a new age of Irish entertainment. Since captivating audiences in over 59 countries, this is one night not to be missed. This is the very best of Ireland- their national dance company mystify the senses and take you with them every step of the way.

Tickets from £22.90

CATS Birmingham Hippodrome, September 9-27 Experience the magic of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s smash hit musical returning to Birmingham this autumn. Based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, it’s one of the longest-running shows on the West End. The story centres on the Jellicle cat tribe who meet for their annual Jellicle Ball; one cat will be awarded with coveted added life. Enjoy the extravaganza with dazzling costumes, and show-stopping choreography.

Tickets start at £17.50

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WIN NEW SEASON SHOES, COURTESY OF CLARKS STYLE SESSIONS HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THREE PAIRS OF NEW SEASON SHOES FROM THE FABULOUS CLARKS Clarks is kick-starting the new autumn season in Birmingham on Saturday September 27, when the wellloved brand will host Autumn/Winter Style Sessions.

Taking over its boutique in Bullring, Clarks will have beauty treats and surprises up for grabs for the lucky customers who pop in.

When: Saturday, September 27 Where: Clarks Shoes, Unit 703, Birmingham Bullring The team will be on hand to showcase the new autumn/ winter collection – so whether it’s green loafers, smart and stylish work heels or some of their fab brogues that take your fancy, there truly is something for everyone.

What’s more, if you’re in need of some styling advice, a savvy team of style experts can give you advice on the perfect shoe-outfit combinations. So whether it’s palazzo pants or Sixties miniskirts, this season you won’t want to miss out.

In celebration of this event, Clarks has teamed up with Style Birmingham to offer ONE lucky winner the chance to win THREE pairs of Clarks shoes – enough to properly start the season in style!

To be in with the opportunity to win simply answer this question: What kind of treats are up for offer for lucky customers popping into the Clarks Bullring boutique on Saturday September 27?

For more on the new season collections at Clarks, go to clarks.co.uk. Find something you love? Share it with us on Twitter, using the hashtag #lifestyledbyclarks

To enter, go to stylebirminghamMAG.com (terms and conditions apply: see online for details).

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