Tuesday 29 June 2010

No More Weaves, Naomi


Naomi Campbell seriously needs to back away from the hair weaves. I suspect she already has, seems as though she has no hair to attach a weave to, and this is clearly a wig, but christ!

Has Naomi ever worn her hair natural? I don't recall seeing any pictures of it. She'd look stunning with a curly fro. I wish she'd try it. It would be more modern too.

That's assuming she can actually grow her hair anymore – those broken off wisps don't look too promising to me. Perhaps she feels pressure in the fashion industry to conform to a 'westernised mode of beauty'. Maybe she just likes long, straight hair.

On another note, will this woman ever age?! Not a jowl in sight and a body like a finely honed racehorse at 40 years old. Her mother still looks amazing too so she's all set. She just needs to get growing those little curly tendrils into a gorgeous natural style.

Review: Aveda 45 Minute Luxury Manicure



We have a guest blogger today on SO FAR, SO CHIC in the shape of Laura of This Is Miss Laura. She stepped in to use my Wahanda voucher last week and has provided this fantastic review:

On Friday afternoon, I was lucky enough to experience the uber pampering 45 minute Aveda Luxury Manicure and I have to admit, as far as manicures go, this is the best I have tried. I like to keep my nails short – they’re easier to maintain – therefore I don't go for manicures on a regular basis as I never feel it’s worth it. Wrong! Even if you have short nails, simple maintenance makes so much difference and takes you a step closer to that effortlessly groomed look we all desire.

The Puro Lifestyle Salon & Spa located in Marble Arch boasted a super-relaxing atmosphere and my beauty therapist, Wafa, was amazing. I say this not because I'm writing a blog post on this treatment and need something to say, but because she has actually made a huge difference to something I was incredibly self-conscious of. About ten years ago I shut my nail in a door and was left with a damaged nail with a huge vertical grove down the middle. On the rare occasions I have been for a manicure, the therapist usually recoiled in horror or disgust. I've never known how to repair the nail and it has never ‘grown out’ as the doctor claimed it would. Wafa took the time to buff and buff and buff my thumb nail with her super soft white buffer and after 15 minutes of graft, my thumb nail was almost smooth! This was a huge plus for me and is a perfect example of the therapist really taking her client’s needs and concerns into consideration.

After careful cutting away of dead skin and my cuticles being pushed back and treated to the gorgeous and nourishing Aveda Cuticle Control, my hands were given a moisturising treatment and massage using Aveda Hand Relief, which smells divine!

Each step of the manicure was carried out at a calm pace and I didn’t feel at all like the treatment was rushed (which is always something I'm wary of when purchasing a special offer). My nails were then prepared with a base coat that gave them an amazing sheen before the colour was applied; a beautiful mauve tone that compliments my pale skin. Two coats of colour and a top coat was added, which also enabled the nails to dry more quickly.

I left the salon a very happy customer. In fact, I would even go all out and say that I'd pay the full £30 for this treatment. The staff were lovely and friendly without being too intense and I felt immediately relaxed and at ease. I couldn’t stop admiring my nails and three days later they still look fabulous. Even my boyfriend commented on my now non-hideous nail and my nails in general without me mentioning anything about the manicure! Thanks Wahanda (and Laura) for this wonderful and highly recommended treatment.

Monday 28 June 2010

Minnie Mouse Makeup



My friend, Casey, had a facepaint-themed birthday shindig at the weekend and this was my effort. I decided to go the whole hog, dressing up as Minnie Mouse (yet showing admirable restraint in not buying the disgusting Minnie-esque yellow heels I spotted in Primark).

I've always wanted some Minnie Mouse ears! Thank god for eBay. The dress is Matalan. The zip broke as I was getting dressed. Refusing to change (or pull the dress back over my drawn-on nose and huge hair buns) I had to be safety pinned into the thing (thanks Sam).

Hair is in bunches, which I backcombed and pinned into two buns. Eyes have everything on them. Star products proved to be Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner in Le Freak and an old blue kohl Sephora pencil.

Huge false lashes applied by Makeda (this was a multi-friend effort!) using Duo Eyelash Adhesive; Lancome Le Crayon Khol on my nose; lips blanked out using concealer and painted on smaller using Lancome Laque Fever in 110. This gave a fantastic vinyl finish but kept transferring to my teeth, no matter what I did. Hence Moody Mouse.

My makeup was very much inspired by this look on Doe Deere Blogazine, which is just immaculate, and this awesome Minnie Mouse-inspired competition entry by Kixih on YouTube. Thanks ladies!

Friday 25 June 2010

Long Live The King


As someone who has been a huge Michael Jackson fan since birth, it feels only right that I should dedicate my blog to him on this, the one year anniversary of his death. Most of you will no doubt think it's weird but I'm still sad about his passing. One of the worst things about being a fan of this man is having to observe the ignorance of other people in their opinions of him. To that end, here are five things you probably didn't know about Michael Jackson... 

1. He did not pay the 1994 settlement to the Chandler family, his insurance carrier did. Official documents state: 'The settlement agreement was for global claims of negligence and the lawsuit was defended by Mr Jackson's insurance carrier. The insurance carrier negotiated and paid the settlement, over the protests of Mr Jackson and his personal legal counsel.' He had no choice. However, this was only the civil case: the Chandlers were still able to bring a criminal case against Jackson had they wished, except that Jordan Chandler (the 'victim') refused to testify. He later sought legal emancipation from his parents. From the outset Jordan's father only wanted money from Michael Jackson, approaching him before going to the police. If Jackson had wanted to keep the case quiet, he could have paid the money without it ever becoming public. Extortion anyone? 

2. The 2000 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records stated that Michael Jackson held the record for 'Most charities supported by a pop star'. He was personally supporting at least 39 charities at the time either by monetary donations, sponsorship or participation in auctions. He gave between $300 and $500 million to charities in his lifetime and in death left 20 per cent of his assets to philanthropic purposes. 

3. His skin really did change colour as a result of the skin condition Vitiligo. Depigmented patches started appearing in the early 80's; by the 90's he was predominantly white. His makeup artist explained that it was easier to match the few remaining dark patches to the majority of white, rather than painting him brown every morning. The presence of the skin condition was confirmed in the autopsy. 

4. He inspired great respect and admiration from the engineers who worked with him in the studio. As well as explaining, 'I have never worked with a nicer man than Michael. He was gracious, talented as all get-out, gentle, humble, a perfect gentleman, never swore, was healthy, punctual, and just the very sweetest person I could have ever hoped to work with' one of the engineers also recalled Michael's impressive talent: 'One morning MJ came in with a new song he had written overnight. We called in a guitar player and Michael sang every note of every chord to him. "Here's the first chord first note, second note, third note. Here's the second chord first note, second note, third note" etc. He would sing an entire string arrangement, every part. Had it all in his head, harmony and everything.' YouTube MJ beatboxing if you want to witness something awesome. He also danced while he recorded tracks in the studio. Had to apparently.


5. He loved KFC.

Thursday 24 June 2010

Have a Mani on Me


I went a bit mad on Wahanda mobdeals when they first came out and bought four. Probably a bit excessive seems as though I don't even live in London. Anyhow, tomorrow I have a 'luxury' 45 minute manicure booked at Aveda Puro Lifestyle Salon & Spa (near Marble Arch tube). Long story short, it's too expensive for me to get the train in to London for a mani and the voucher expires tomorrow. Clever me.

I want someone to have it rather than it go to waste. It's booked for 1.00pm Friday 25 June. Email me if you want it. The only requirement is that you write me a guest review of the treatment to post on SO FAR, SO CHIC. You can use it on your blog as well if you have one. I'll pick someone and email them the voucher as soon as possible. Toodles!

Friday 18 June 2010

Got Milky Nails?



My favesies, Lauren Conrad, unveiled her got milk? campaign poster this week in LA. Wearing a navy 3.1 Phillip Lim jumpsuit, tan leather platform Christian Louboutins and matching Marc Jacobs purse she looked her usual pulled together self.

She either had the jumpsuit tailored to finish at the knee or Mr Lim did her a special version. I'm personally a bit bored by the tan, tan, tan accessories, although I do love the heels.

The best thing about LC's look was her ice-blue nails. Could this be the new pale-blue Chanel shade we've all heard about on the beauty grapevine? We'll just have to wait and see...

UPDATE: Chanel's powder blue nail is called Riva.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Red or Dead?

SO FAR, SO CHIC
Red lips are one of those love it or hate it things. Can you rock a classic blue-red lippy or are you more of a subtle gloss girl? I've yet to find my perfect shade of killer red, if it exists! Check out my post on zuneta.com.

Monday 14 June 2010

I Never Get Ill


But I'm ill. Sinusitis has struck; aka five different types of pain ripping through my skull 24/7. I'm on antibiotics and praying that they get rid of it because I can't write, can hardly concentrate or look at small words to read, can't sleep properly and basically might as well be put down. See you on the other side.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Get Your Glow Back


Clearly no-one told Jessica Biel that there's an easier way to get a skin-smoothing salt scrub than dapping around in paddling pools and rubbing herself against rocks. 

Since being sent Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow to test, I have been buffing my skin to shiny-shinned perfection. In fact, mine and Jessica's bodies are now nearly identical.

As always with Elemis, you can expect a little bit of spa luxury in your bathroom. The jar is ENORMOUS, which means you get a lot of product, but it's also a bit cumbersome. My shower only has a tiny ledge, so I've taken to grabbing this stuff mid-shower, holding the jar with one hand and scrubbing with the other. Turning the shower off and giving yourself a thorough rub-down would be the best method.


The scrub is in a loose, grainy form similar to rock salt and is dry to the touch. On contact with skin and water it creates a glorious oily mixture, which is so satisfying to use I can only compare it to one of those naff wooden backscratchers with the carved hand at one end. Pure joy! The oil leaves skin moisturised and soft and the smell is zingy yet mild.

According to the blurb on the Elemis site, ginger stimulates the metabolism and tones the skin, while lime peel cleanses and purifies. I've never had so many reasons to be a scrubber! 

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Laura and Charlie on Zuneta











My turn again folks! Please head over to zuneta.com to read about my attempt at Kate Moss's 30th birthday makeup look (while Charlie the Jackahuahua tries to nose in on the action!).

Read my post here.

Friday 4 June 2010

Shop of the Week: Matalan



My obsession with Matalan shift dresses continues unabated; necessitating the purchase of a couple more during my last visit.

This watercolour print dress looks more bright, bold and graphic in person, with the merest hint of Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 collection about it. It's made of good-quality, stiff cotton, with a bit of stretch. On my non-hips it forms a slightly exaggerated 'tulip' shape, but if you had more womanly curves they'd fill it out nicely. It comes in sizes 8–18 and costs £25. Made me feel happy all day when I wore this.

Mummy Wheat started saying things like 'Audrey Hepburn' and 'stunning' when I shimmied out of the changing room wearing this. Nuff said. Thought I was going to have to ask for a cold flannel to calm her down.

This navy Jeff & Co dress is gorgeous quality for the price (£26). The material has a 'waffle' weave to it, which makes it feel flattering and luxurious; the lining ensures there's no cling.

It's one of those dresses that looks way better on, so definitely give it a whirl if you think the shape might suit you. I'm saving it for my next important meeting/event/interview.

I also stocked up on some super-cute pyjama shorts with icecreams on them and a pair of beige summer shorts.

Granted, you do have to sift through a lot of crap to find a few gems, but that's what gives me a thrill! Move over chavs; Matalan is MINE!