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13 Truths About Sale Shopping

July 21, 2015, 9:30 am
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The summer sales are still going strong, but we're really not.

In fact, it's making us seriously debate ever doing it IRL again with the comforting bosom of online shopping so easily accessible.

But sometimes those high street deals seem too good to resist and, like moths to a heavily discounted flame, we keep going back with the hope that maybe, maybe it will all be different this time.

Here are 13 truths about the sales that brave shopping souls can relate to:

shopping

1. You openly admit you hate it...

2. But you're really pretending because you've been waiting for this moment all year...

3. Unless you work in retail, in which case it's the bane of your entire life...

sales

4. Because no one wants to watch their carefully arranged displays get chucked on the floor in front of them...



5. You have to mentally prepare yourself to venture down to the high street...

6. And when you get there you have a moment of instant regret...

7. Seriously, where did all these people come from...



8. And when did everyone get so... elbow-wy?

9. Finding something you like in your size feels a bit like striking gold...



11. And sends you into a bargain hunting frenzy...

12. Until you see the jeans you bought last month at 50% off...

13. And vow to never sale shop again.



SEE ALSO:

The Best Summer Sales To Shop This Week

21 Things That Are True About Shopping In Primark

19 Fashion Struggles Only A Londoner Can Understand


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Karlie Kloss' YouTube Channel: Will She Be The Next Vlogging Superstar?

July 22, 2015, 3:00 am
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Karlie Kloss has added another string to her already bursting bow today by becoming a YouTube vlogger.

The supermodel's new channel, named Klossy, will "show things you didn't get to see before" - giving fans behind the scenes access to shoot sets, fashion runways and all her daily adventures.

karlie kloss

In her channel trailer video, posted today, Kloss reveals: "I've spent the majority of my life in front of the camera, but not my camera - and that's why this is different."

The trailer may only be two-minutes long but we've already got a taste for what's to come (including an amazing look at what goes on before the Victoria's Secret show) and can't wait to see what she'll do with her first ever vlog.

A top fashion model, student at NYU, coder, baker, Nike-endorsed athlete and Taylor Swift's BFF, it's hard to see how the 22-year-old possibly has the time to squeeze a vlogging career into her busy schedule - but if her 22.9 million followers are anything to go by, Klossy is going to be a big success.

SEE ALSO:

How To Look Like A Victoria's Secret Angel

This Amazing Chanel Exhibition Is Coming To London

Hilarious Instagrammer Shows How Ridiculous The Life Of A Model Can Be


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Kim Kardashian Vogue Spain: See The New Makeup-Free Shots

July 22, 2015, 3:05 am
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Kim Kardashian's latest Vogue cover was revealed last week and proved a world away from her standard shoots, showing the reality star without a scrap of makeup (bar a slick of lip balm).

The barefaced shots by Theo Wenner for Vogue Spain show a more chilled side to the 34-year-old as she lounges around the Beverly Hills Hotel in loose knits, jeans and a very un-Kardashian-like pair of pyjamas.




Kim took to Instagram yesterday to share 12 more photos from the cover spread with her 39.8m followers and we're loving the paired down look.

There's no contouring, fake eyelashes, coiffured hair or glammed-up fashion and she still looks gorgeous.

The only hint of Kim as we know her? Her $1.6m 15-carat diamond engagement ring from husband Kanye West, of course.

This has to be my favorite shoot I've done! Thank you @VogueSpain & Theo Wenner for these amazing pics! #NoMakeUp #KimNoFilter

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




We shot this @VogueSpain shoot at my fave hotel the Beverly Hills Hotel! Pajamas and all....#KimNoFilter

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




@VogueSpain #KimNoFilter

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




Running through the halls at the BHH #VogueSpain #KimNoFilter

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




Caption this... #VogueSpain #KimNoFilter

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




SEE ALSO:

Is This Kim K's Most Bizarre Photo-Shoot Ever?

Watch This Makeup Artist Transform Into 4 Kardashians In Under 2 Minutes

The Technique Behind Kim Kardashian's Flawless Concealer Trick


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Rihanna Reveals Her New Perfume "RiRi" On Instagram

July 22, 2015, 3:12 am
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Rihanna caused a flurry of excitement earlier today when she unveiled her brand new women's perfume, called "RiRi".

The 27-year-old superstar posted the fragrance campaign shot on her Twitter and Instagram, teasing fans with little info but revealing that the scent will be "coming soon".

Excited to announce my newest fragrance "RiRi"... coming soon! #ThisIsRiRi

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on




RiRi (the person, not the perfume) is no stranger to world of fragrances, having released Rogue Love and Rogue Man in 2014, Rogue and 777 Nude by Rihanna Diamonds in 2013, Nude and Rebelle in 2012, and Reb'l Fleur in 2010.

No info has been released thus far as to what the scent will smell like. But if the pink theme and hyper-glam Marilyn Monroe/Madonna inspired ad is anything to go by, we reckon it's going to be more of a girly number than her previous concoctions.

SEE ALSO:

The Best Women's Perfumes For Summer

How To Get A Rihanna Tattoo Without The Pain


We Need To Talk About Rihanna's Dior Shoes


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Beauty Hacks: 13 Genius Uses For Your Shampoo And Conditioner

July 22, 2015, 5:18 am
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When beauty hacks save us time, money and get us out of some seriously sticky situations, it's hard to imagine what we ever did without them.

Using our hair-washing products outside of the bathroom is a brand new one for us, but Hairtrade.com have come up with some brilliant multipurpose uses for even the most basic of shampoo and conditioner (well, you probably won't want to use your Kérastase to wash the dishes).

From a DIY manicure, to washing your most expensive silky pants, here are 13 genius ways to use those handy little bottles:

wash hair vintage

Shampoo

1. As washing up liquid

Shampoo is twice as effective on dirt than regular dish soap and much gentler on skin.

2. As a makeup brush and hairbrush cleanser

Keeping makeup and hairbrushes clean is essential for banishing hidden dirt and bacteria. Remove excess hair and residue from your brushes then leave them to soak in a bowl of warm water and shampoo for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and leave them to dry out for squeaky-clean brushes.

3. To clean delicates

Instead of forking out for expensive hand wash products, just use shampoo to wash your delicates instead. Use shampoo as you would normal hand wash detergent and rinse out.

4. For an at home manicure

You don’t have to go to the salon to treat yourself to a manicure. Soak hands in shampoo and warm water for silky soft mitts and clean cuticles.

5. To stop mirrors from fogging

Squirt a bit of shampoo on a paper towel and rub it into the mirror then with a clean cloth wipe it away. Next time you shower your mirror will be fog free with no streaks.

6. As a body wash

If you’ve run out of shower gel or want to save space on packing, shampoo can easily be used as body wash.

shampoo

Conditioner

7. As a fabric softener

Keep a bottle of conditioner in your laundry room for when you run out of fabric softener. Conditioner does the exact same job.

8. To remove make up

At a pinch, a dab of conditioner can remove make up, just put some on a cotton pad to gently remove make up then rinse your face.. This is great for when you’ve forgotten your make up remover on holiday.

9. As a cuticle cream

Some cuticle creams can leave you with greasy fingers, instead try dabbing a little conditioner onto your nails beds before pushing them back.

10. To tame static hair

If you're prone to frizz or static hair, put a tiny amount of conditioner on your palms, rub them together and lightly smooth them over your hair. It will keep flyaways at bay and provide a gorgeous scent.

11. As a DIY detangler

Get an empty spray bottle, fill with water and a dash of conditioner and shake well. Spritz over wet hair to avoid knotty nightmares.

12. To fix stubborn zippers

Conditioner is technically a lubricant so if you have a stiff zipper, rub a little on either side of the zip to get it going again.

13. As a shaving cream

Conditioner is a great alternative to shaving cream as it gives you a close shave and moisturises at the same time. Some people find it leaves their skin less irritated than soap too.

SEE ALSO:

Green Tea Bags For Puffy Eyes, Eyeliner In The Freezer And More DIY Beauty Cheats

10 Talcum Powder Beauty Hacks You Need To Know


15 Beach Holiday Hacks You Won't Know How You Lived Without


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Batman Tattoo Cover-Up Has To Be One Of The Most Awesome Things We've Clapped Eyes On

July 22, 2015, 5:40 am
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"Went from Bertman to Batman," was one of the comments underneath this amazing tattoo cover-up shot posted on Imgur, and we couldn't agree more.

(Assuming Bertman stands for utter crap).

Normally tattoo cover-ups tend to be an unfulfilling compromise - on the one hand you're covering up a bad tattoo, on the other, you still don't have a great tattoo. This, however, blows that theory out of the water.

View post on imgur.com


On Reddit, some people commented: "Love that all of those years later, this dude still loves Batman enough to get his Batman tattoo covered up with a Batman tattoo."

SEE ALSO:

Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Tattoo Fail


This Deirdre Barlow Fan Just Seriously Upgraded His Tattoo


Another revealed their own personal story: "My dad had a four leaf clover tattoo because he's irish. He had it covered up with a larger leprechaun. He hates that one even more."

To which, a user replied: "Was he drunk when he got both?"

Cue hilarity.

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Plus Size Men's Clothing Retailer: 'There Needs To Be An Empowering Movement For Plus Size Men'

July 22, 2015, 6:19 am
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Here at HuffPost UK Lifestyle, we are beyond pleased that the plus size women's movement has gathered pace and is storming the internet with inspiring images.

There are Instagram movements, beautiful photography projects - all in the name of subverting the standardised body image we've had rammed down our throats for decades.

But where does that leave plus size men? What stories of empowerment are they inspired by?

We can think of a grand total of one - remember the Dancing Man aka Sean O'Brien, who was 'fat-shamed' and the internet swarmed to defend him?

sean o brien
Sean O'Brien (third from left)


In fact, we ran a story earlier in March asking where all the plus size male models were in mainstream media, and we have yet to see a strong movement take off.

SEE ALSO:

As The World Swoons Over Poldark's Abs, We Ask: Where Are All The Plus-Size Men In Media?


Finally! Male Contraceptive Pill (Not An Injection) Could Be On The Cards



It isn't for want of numbers - we spoke to online plus size retailer for Bigdudeclothing.co.uk MD Darrell Freeman who said that the industry is growing 100% year on year. Here we caught up with him for the inside scoop on the plus size male clothing world...

There is and has been a big movement about empowering plus size women - but we don't really see the same for men. Do you think we could do with this?

Definitely. It’s great to see that plus size women are being given the deserved amount of attention and exposure in magazines, on television and in film, so why isn’t the same happening for men who are proud of their bodies and not willing to become the butt-end of a ‘fat man joke’?

Plus size men should be proud of their bodies and embrace them. You only have to look at statistical figures to see that eating disorders in men are on the rise, so it’s an issue that needs to be dealt with.

james corden
James Corden makes a pretty good plus size male role model


We also don't seem to see very many plus size male models around - how do you select the ones who advertise your clothes?

We try and find guys who appear confident in themselves as well as the clothing we provide.

At the moment, we have Wales' Strongest Man, Simon Johnson as our model. He is a 4XL and fits the modelling work around his current job, being a doorman in Rhyl. Usually, we speak to existing customers, to find potential local models.

plus size men
Simon Johnson


What considerations/worries do you think a man might have if he was buying plus size clothing?
Well firstly we get a lot of men worried about finding the right clothes to fit them, especially after the trouble they’ve had for years attempting to find the correct plus sized clothing on the high street.

The second main struggle we find is that men are too embarrassed to disclose their actual size to employees working in retail outlets. Men can be just as self-conscious about disclosing their weight and measurement as women can, and with such varying body shapes, heights and widths, it’s not as easy as being able to pick up an item from a clothing rack and buy it.

How would you ease their concerns?
It is most important to reassure any customers that there is nothing wrong with their size and that they are not alone in their struggles.

We have so many customers who are all in the same boat, so I think it definitely reassures the larger man when he can visit our site to see how many similar people are in his position.

Sometimes just being able to relate to someone else and not feeling like the only person with body hang-ups is enough for our customers to come out of their shells and experiment with new styles and trends they may never have considered previously.

Do customers come in with any similar requirements or requests?

Our range goes up to 8XL, so we find most of our customers are happy with our current range of sizes, but our customisation service allows those larger than 8XL to find clothes that not only fit them, but ones that they feel good in.

Some of the custom requests we’ve had include 10XL shirts, size 20 shoes and 70” jeans.

How has the plus size male industry changed in the last 10 years?
A lot more brands have come into the space. Brands such as Lambretta, Wrangler, Mish Mash and Farah have entered the male plus size industry in the last couple of years.

Ten years ago it was only specialist brands that exclusively supplied big sizes. Now we are seeing brands with more prestigious reputations extend their range up from the old limit of XXL to 5XL with some, like us, even going up to an 8XL.

What do you have to take into account when creating styles for plus size clothing?
There’s a number of things. Of course we take into account the same factors as those who create styles for ‘normal’ size clothing. It’s important for the clothes to look good and be as fashionable and comfortable as possible – just because we make plus size clothes doesn’t mean they can’t be on trend.

I think, though, this most important thing for us to consider when creating styles for plus size clothing is a good fit. I think the biggest problem for men that need to wear plus size clothing is that they do not fit properly and irritate them. We design all of our clothes with this in mind, ensuring that we take different shapes and sizes into account.

What are some of the most popular items?

Our plus sized shirts and t-shirts are definitely the most popular, as the stomach and torso are often the largest parts of most plus sized men’s bodies. It’s really interesting to see the different areas of the UK where our plus size clothing is the most popular. We recently studied our site sale statistics and found that Scotland is the region where the most 7XL and 8XL clothes are sold, whilst Newcastle and Birmingham were the most popular for 2XL to 6XL clothes.

Is the plus size men's clothing industry a growing market?
Yes, the market is growing very quickly and we are seeing 100% growth year on year. Research from Mintel shows that 20% of males in the UK have a size 38" waist or above.

We have seen a lot more demand for the king size sizes over the last 12 months with 8XL in particular seeing a huge increase in popularity. The market is expected to increase by 10% up to 2018. Even football clubs, such as Manchester United are now producing their shirts in a size 4XL.
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Sweat Proof Makeup Tried & Tested: The Best Waterproof Products For Your Workout

July 22, 2015, 8:40 am
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The way people wax lyrical on the topic, wearing makeup to the gym seems akin to a making a giant offensive political statement.

Or being Kim Kardashian. Or both, at the same time.

But when more women than ever are slotting their workouts in on their lunch breaks, it's even more effort to apply a full face twice in one day. Or maybe they just want to feel really, really ridiculously good looking 24/7. And there's nothing wrong with that.

So if you want to know what products are actually going to last through a run through a park in the searing summer heat (or a summer holiday), we tried and tested out a range of beauty products to see what was bonafide sweat proof.

face

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, £30 - A product that does what it says on the tin. The way this stuff stays put, you'd think you'd need an industrial strength drill to remove it, but you don't, and it's great. Oil-free, with SPF10 and a formula that lends a lit from within glow to skin, Double Wear is also the UK's bestselling foundation.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, £22.50 - Under eye concealer is a necessity but the constant creasing instantly ages us about 10 years.

Luckily this little powerhouse tube is pretty much the equivalent of concealer superglue and helps avoids the whole thing. The key to making this last all day (and night) is using incredibly sparingly and setting with powder.

Maybelline Super Stay 24Hour Powder, £5.99 - And finally, the powder to set it with.

Sweaty faces plus powder usually equals a horrible coagulated makeup mess. Luckily, Maybelline's formula contains silicone pigments that literally repel water and oil but unfortunately not those people trying to hit on you mid workout.

colour

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher, £15.50 - Thanks to its nifty silicone base, this liquid blush seriously stays put. Waterproof, rub-off proof and apparently gym proof too, it gives a gorgeous natural-looking flush of colour to cheeks.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer, £5.99 - This lightweight bronzer gives a natural sun-kissed glow to skin and is great for a Kim K style contour, should you fancy it. It boasts up to 10 hours wear, SPF 15 and is fully waterproof - making it pretty ideal for summer.

Bourjois ColorBoost Lip Crayon, £7.99 - An easy-to-apply crayon with a hydrating, yet non-sticky texture that gives lips a pop of colour with a natural shine. The subtle glossy sheen wears off after about an hour (or eating), but the waterproof stain of colour puts up a good fight for a few hours without needing a touch up.

eyes

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Natural Eye Brow Pencil, £17 - There's nothing worse in the whole gym vs makeup debacle than finishing a sweaty session only to realise one of your eyebrows has managed to make it half way down your face. This oil-free (that's the key here), silk powder pencil lasted through a full-on boxing workout and the Nautral Beige shade is the perfect soft neutral brown I've been searching a lifetime for - perfect if you tend to find eyebrow shades too warm.

Smashbox Limitless Waterproof Liquid Liner Pen, £17 - This is hands down the best liquid eye liner I've tried thus far in my quest for the perfect feline flick.

Not only does the tip make it incredibly easy to apply, it also somehow survived unscathed through a dip in the sea, snorkeling and getting splashed in the eyes by a rogue child. I've put it all down to witchcraft.

Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, £24.50 - Now I don't want to sound like some kind of disgusting human that never removes my makeup, but I applied some individual falsies before I went on holiday and used this underneath and it stuck on my eyes for an ENTIRE WEEK.

No smudging, no flaking and not even a hint of a panda-eye. Unlike some waterproof mascaras, it also wasn't a complete nightmare to remove with a micellar water cleanser. I usually try to avoid them like the plague for this reason, but Dior did not disappoint.

SEE ALSO:

The Best Dance Classes In London

What Happens When You Work Out Like A Victoria's Secret Model?

This Man Can Transform Your Body In 90 Days (And Here's The Proof)


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Get Rid Of Spots Overnight: This Model's Tips

July 23, 2015, 3:35 am
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Supermodels suffer from sudden spot breakouts, just like the rest of us, but have you ever wondered how they manage to get rid of them before a big shoot or stint on the catwalk the next day?

Model Suzanne Diaz has revealed her secret to removing blemishes overnight. She filmed this how to video with Into The Gloss and if you're desperate to know her top tip (which also happens to be super easy), it's worth giving it a watch...



Diaz recommends using a cotton bud to apply her two key products - hydrogen peroxide followed by Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - directly onto the spot area before going to sleep. The idea is this skincare combination will shrink and dry out blemishes overnight leaving you spot-free when you wake up in the morning. Suddenly, keeping skin looking clear sounds so easy.

Never heard of the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion? Beauty Bay stocks the bestseller for £14.50.

And if you want to try and avoid spots all together, the foods you eat can also help with a glowing complexion. From broccoli and chilli peppers to almonds and pumpkin seeds, find out the top 10 foods to give you radiant skin in our gallery below:

MORE BEAUTY INSPIRATION!
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Vitamins: The Best Supplements For Skin, Hair And Nails
Red Lipstick: Five Things That Happen When You Wear A Rouge Lip
Bob Hairstyles: 12 Looks To Try
Nail Polish: 10 Chic Shades For Spring
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Who The Heck Is Alex Mytton? Get To Know The Made In Chelsea Star

July 23, 2015, 3:37 am
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So, this new hunky dude waltzed onto our telly screens in June 2013. His name is Alex Mytton and he's certainly not a stranger in Chelsea, oh no. Here's a recap of Alex's MIC history:

alex mytton

He's the long-term ex of Phoebe Lettice, who dated the lothario for three years and even went travelling with him during his "shit phase". But Alex really came into the spotlight on the show when he started dating Binky Felstead.

However, soon after he finally said the l-word, Alex and Binky's relationship was rocked by rumours of his cheating. Sadly for Binks, these rumours turned out to be true.

He even reduced Jamie Laing to tears in New York when it was revealed Alex had been hooking up with Jamie's ex-girlfriend Tara back in London. Shock, horror.

While it looks like Alex's MIC career is officially over (he was last seen looking very sorry for himself outside an airport in NYC), it's still worth knowing these juicy facts about Chelsea's famous philanderer...

He's a smarty pants
He totes went to university. Oxford Brookes to be exact.

He's got beef with Spenny
Well, who hasn't got a bone to pick with Spencer Matthews? Alex's relationship with Spenny didn't get off to a good start when he started chirpsing on his beloved Lucy Watson last year.

The rumours were true - he's a dirty dawg
Rumour has it he played away during his three-year relationship with Phoebe - some things don't change.

He used to have long hair
Which is sweet and kind of explains why he's still finding his feet styling those short tresses.

He's on Twitter
From the looks of it he's got a penchant for #ThrowbackThursdays. Go follow him... Now.

He's a DJ/producer
Listen to his "first original track" on Alex's soundcloud page.

Love Made in Chelsea? Make sure to catch up on all the goings on from previous series here.
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14 Women Pose Naked To Redefine 'American Beauty' On Their Own Terms

July 23, 2015, 3:41 am
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The "American beauty" comes in all shapes, sizes, ages and colors. 


That's what photographer Carey Fruth set out to prove with her photo series, "American Beauty," which features 14 diverse women lying naked in a bed of lilacs.


Fruth told The Huffington Post that the series was inspired by the iconic rose petal fantasy scene in the 1999 film "American Beauty" where a middle-aged man has a sexual dream about his teenage daughter's best friend (who is attractive, thin, blonde and white). The scene reflects a quintessential male fantasy where the young woman has no power -- she's merely a sex object. 


With these images, Fruth is taking back that power and giving it to women. 



"Almost every image you see in mainstream media is of one type of woman, thin white women to be specific," Fruth told HuffPost.


"But that is not actually the majority of women in our country look like. America is made up of all types of women. Women who are hungry to see themselves represented in a beautiful way. And why shouldn't they?"


By highlighting women who look different than what's so often represented in pop culture, Fruth hopes to empower women to feel beautiful, confident and sexy just the way they are. 


"When women come into my studio, I want to prove to them that they ARE as beautiful as they always feared they weren't, then maybe they can let go of that fear," Fruth said. "By stepping into a fantasy dream girl world and by letting go of that fear, they free themselves up to direct that energy they once wasted on telling themselves that they weren't good enough to elsewhere in their life."


Scroll below to see 14 women proving to themselves --  and everyone else -- that they are absolutely beautiful. 





Head over to Fruth's website to see more of her work. 
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Why We Should All Give Upcycling a Chance

July 23, 2015, 3:44 am
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Upcycling: the latest ephemeral trend or a way of life? I think it could just be the latter. With more and more of us beginning to care about the mark we leave on this planet, upcycling is a perfect place to start.

2015-07-17-1437160881-3046498-pots.jpg

In the modern world our material consumption is constantly on the increase, with man's desire for commodities of all shapes and sizes seemingly an insatiable one.

Meanwhile the resources feeding this need are diminishing before our eyes, since the demand for the materials and energy that go into making a product typically outweigh any attempts at conservation or careful, environmental management.

It follows, then, that those concerned by this issue are starting to search for new ways to support sustainable lifestyles, foregoing the long, utilitarian aisles of Ikea in favour of reusing furniture and fittings with a soul.

Upcycling is just one increasingly popular way in which we can reuse, reduce and recycle.

2015-07-17-1437160801-6112045-chairs.jpg

I recently came across a fresh new face on this scene, a start up that has this exact concept as a central motif to their business model. &hobbs Vintage Furniture and Artwork holds the true value of a piece's history and biography at their heart. Set up by stylist and display artist Libby Hobbs, who has a background in textile design along with years creating the dazzling displays of Anthropologie, this home wares company focuses on bringing beautiful, bespoke pieces of furniture into the homes of their clients.

Humble enough to know when a vintage school chair or gentlemen's trouser press speaks for itself, &hobbs provide only gentle care to restore it to its former beauty. Equally though, they aren't afraid to add their creative flair to renovate a well-used piece, and believe that creativity does not depend on a blank, MDF canvas. Instead, they work with a piece's heritage in order to make something new and exceptional. Waste is not something on their agenda.

&hobbs vision is clear and progressive; we cannot sustainably keep creating the new unless we learn to incorporate the old. &hobbs believe that the most unlikely fit can be made between vintage piece and home, and that they add some real character and charm. Ultimately, we should not be afraid of introducing pre-owned pieces into our modern homes.

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Spending any days they can at fairs, festivals and sales, selling their items and winning the public over to a more vintage lifestyle, &hobbs are the epitome of a British start up worthy of some serious attention. They source all materials they can from within the UK, or occasionally from France and Belgium, to reduce their carbon footprint, and any outsourcing comes from local honest traders and artisans. Collectively, these self-starters feed their success back into, and help to uphold, the crucial underbelly of our economy.

Hopefully their vision can be spread so that we can all makes steps to depart from the current global practice: consume, consume, consume.

Photos by Cedar Film Co
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Wedding Invitations: What's The Etiquette?

July 23, 2015, 3:46 am
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When it comes to wedding planning, there's the stuff you can't wait to do (cake tastings, anyone?) and the stuff you have to do but aren't really sure about (and are finding pretty stressful). Two words: Wedding invitations.


Wedding invitations Image by: Marnie Burkhart/Corbis



One of the most crucial parts of the big day planning, your wedding invitations can help set the tone and theme of the occasion as well as determine the most important part of the wedding: the family and friends you want to have there, celebrating your special moment with you.

Sorting out the invites can feel overwhelming because there's a decision to be made on everything from the wording you want to the style of paper you choose. Since navigating the waters of wedding invitation etiquette can be murky (how do you make it clear kids aren't allowed - without offending your bestie?), we quizzed go-to girl for all things wedding-related and founder of bride&glory wedding planning, Anna MacDougall, on all of the details.

"Traditionally, it would have been the parents of the bride who would have sent the invitation (i.e. Mr. & Mrs. Proud Parents request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter XYZ to Mr. ZYX), but with more couples hosting and paying for their own weddings, this is no longer always necessary and the invitation can come from the couple themselves."

Obligatory details you can't leave off the wedding invites? The location of the ceremony, the date and time and the address of the reception venue (if different from the ceremony).

Check out all of Anna's pointers on wedding invitation etiquette below...


How far in advance should you send out the invites?
I stick to the rule that you shouldn't send invites until your guests are likely to have invested in a calendar for that year so they have somewhere to write the glorious news into.

Typically, you'd send them somewhere around 10 to 12 weeks before your wedding day, slightly earlier if your wedding is overseas.




​If you've set the date and really, really want to make sure everybody's diary is clear, save-the-date cards are the perfect 'advance notice' that can be sent anywhere between six to eight months in advance.





When should you ask people to RSVP by?
Given the insanely busy lives we all seem to lead these days, a stretchy buffer zone is advisable so I would set the RSVP deadline as two months prior to your wedding date - it'll give you time to chase those who lost the invitation under the pile of post in the kitchen and forgot to respond.

How do you make the dress code clear?
Traditionally, or as the Debrett's Wedding Guide would state, morning attire should be worn unless otherwise stated.




Wedding bouquet of pink roses and wedding rings on invitation




However, as couples have become more confident in shaping their wedding days to suit their personalities, it has become customary to add a note on the dress code for your day. That way, if you've gone for a more relaxed festival-feel, your guests don't feel the need to don the top hat and likewise, if you're aiming for über-glam, your guests are aware that they are free to get the killer heels and gowns out of the closet.

How do you gently indicate adults-only or no plus one?
I've found that being subtle in this area usually doesn't work so be open from the start and, if you don't want to incur the wrath of your guests, you can always blame the venue. Lines such as: "We regret that, due to the nature of our venue, we are unable to safely accommodate children" work quite well.




A plus one should be granted for everyone who is married, engaged or living together.





If someone who doesn't fall into this category has 'snuck in' a partner on their RSVP, speak to them and explain that, due to restrictions on guest numbers, you are only able to accommodate spouses/fiancé(e)s/live-in partners but that you would love for their partner to be a guest at the evening reception (if applicable).

What other info needs to be included on the invite?
You should always include information on timings/directions/transport and accommodation options/carriages for both ceremony and reception venue (if different). You should also let your guests know your policies on presents and children and details on the dress code (if specific).
Ask your guests to advise you on specific dietary requirements (allergies and food-intolerances only, otherwise you'll be swamped with 'I don't like sprouts' comments). And lastly, the RSVP date and address and a contact number if guests need to get in touch.

Where should registry info be included?
This will depend on the style and design of your invitation. Usually, you'd add extra sheets that contain details such as directions/transport/accommodation/carriages and asks for dietary requirements.

Do evening or ceremony-only guests need separate invites?
Yes they do, otherwise you'll have a very awkward moment when evening guests turn up for your ceremony and wedding breakfast with nowhere to sit.

Are there any big stationery trends at the moment?
I believe less in trends and more in couples using their wedding days to reflect their styles. Some of the coolest wedding invitations I've seen have all tied the couples' personalities in with their themes, and beautifully so. So whether it's a traditional style, worthy of Smythson, or a handmade colour feast - for me there is no right or wrong.




Just remember your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests get at what to expect from your wedding day, so let them reflect that in style and colour.





Any budget-saving tips on invites?
If you're not afraid of a little crafting and happen to know someone with beautiful handwriting, you could always make your own. Beware though, there's a reason why there are professionals doing the job full time - it will be time-consuming. Make sure it all fits into a standard envelope and send them early enough so you can use 2nd class stamps to save on postage.

Letterpress is beautiful but if it busts the budget, look into thermography as an alternative. And there's always going down the route of paperless post although personally, I think you can't beat the excitement of having a wedding invitation flutter onto your doormat.

Need some wedding planning help? Check out Anna's website, bride&glory, for more information.

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Eye Creams: 10 Of The Best Under £10

July 23, 2015, 3:52 am
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Despite that extra hour in bed, you're still feeling tired and your eyes look like they've got saddlebags settling underneath them, right or wrong?

eye cream

Then there's party season to contend with. Late nights, early mornings and a portion of booze on the side aren't going to help puff-prone peepers stay plump and wrinkle-free. Enter the eye creams that soothe and smooth so you can start and end your day looking bright-eyed and bushy tailed. The best bit? You can now dim those dark circles for under a tenner!

MORE: Moisturisers under £10 - best budget skincare buys

"Whatever your budget, look for ingredients such as soothing camomile, calming cucumber and nourishing vitamin E," says Caroline Frazer, Simple Skincare & Product Expert. "Natural antioxidants like green tea are another fantastic set of ingredients as they can help reduce cell damage, build collagen and reduce inflammation."

MORE: Beauty tips - how to get rid of spots

Plus, because you only need a rice grain sized amount of cream to tick off both eyes, these products will last for ages too. Here are our purse-friendly finds ready and waiting to keep bags at bay from now until New Year...
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Moisturisers Under £10: Best Budget Skincare Buys

July 23, 2015, 4:07 am
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A good quality moisturiser is a skincare essential. Their hydrating formulas are key to combating a dry, dull complexion - and they don't have to break the bank.

From cult products with affordable price tags (Pond's hydranourishing cream is a classic) to the paraben-free buys from Good Things and Yes To... there are a surprising number of brilliant moisturisers out there for under a tenner.

And if you need an excuse to stock up on a new moisturiser, Olay's consultant dermatologist reminded us why it's important to look after our skin, particularly when the weather gets colder.

"At this time of year, our skin may feel dry and sensitive whilst pigmentation spots and fine lines may look more noticeable," Dr. Hubbard told us. "To tackle this, it's important to use a daily product with effective moisturising ingredients and added sun protection."

See our top 10 affordable favourites above and don't miss these skincare tips below:

6 of the worst foods for your skin

What chocolate really does to your skin

Beauty tips: How to get rid of spots

A face mask is the ultimate treat for your skin. Try making your own at home with yoghurt, honey and grapes.



How To Make Your Own Face Mask At Home Using Yogurt, Honey And Grapes
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Jamie Oliver's 30-Minute Meals: Rogan Josh

July 23, 2015, 4:13 am
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Jamie Oliver is back with a brand new campaign and this time he aims to teach us how to cook a meal (not just one lowly dish but a whole meal) in half an hour. The book, Jamie's 30-Minute Meals is fabulously simple; you'll not find hundreds of ingredients or complicated steps to get confused by, you'll just need a bit of organisation and some fire in your belly.

We have two of Jamie's recipes from his new book so you can make a night of it (well 30 minutes of it) and we'd love to know how you get on.



David Loftus



CURRY
2 onions
1 medium butternut squash
1 small cauliflower
optional: 1 fresh red chilli
4 cloves of garlic
a bunch of fresh coriander
½ a 283g jar of Patak's rogan joshpaste
1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
100g prewashed baby spinach
1 x 500g tub of natural yoghurt

RICE
1 mug of basmati rice
a few whole cloves

CARROT SALAD
a handful of flaked almonds
5 or 6 carrots
1 fresh red chilli
a bunch of fresh coriander
a 2cm piece of fresh ginger
1 lemon

CHAPATTIS
1 pack of chapattis
turmeric, for dusting


LEMON PICKLE
1 lemon
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1 level teaspoon turmeric
¼ of a fresh red chilli
1 small dried chilli

SEASONINGS
olive oil
extra virgin olive oil
sea salt & black pepper

TO SERVE
1 packet of poppadoms
cold beer

TO START Get all your ingredients and equipment ready.
Fill and boil the kettle. Put a large saucepan on a high
heat.Turn the oven on to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Put the coarse grater attachment into the food processor.

CURRY Peel and slice the onions and add to the large pan with a splash of water and a few good lugs of olive oil.
Carefully cut the butternut squash in half across the middle (for speed I'm only using the seedless neck), wrap up the base and put in the fridge for another day. Quarter the neck lengthways, then slice it into 1cm chunks - no need to peel them .Add to the pan.Trim the cauliflower and remove the outer leaves. Cut it into bite-sized chunks, and throw them into the pan. If you want some extra heat, slice up the chilli and add it now. Crush in the unpeeled garlic. Finely chop the coriander (stalks and all). Reserve a few leaves for garnish and add the rest to the pan with a couple of generous splashes of boiled water. Add the rogan josh paste and the tin of chickpeas, with their juices. Season and stir well, then put a lid on. Cook hard and fast, stirring occasionally.

RICE Put the mug of rice into a medium saucepan with a lug of olive oil and a few cloves, then cover with 2 mugs of
boiled water (use the same mug you used for the rice).Add a pinch of salt, then put the lid on and boil on a medium heat for 7 minutes. Fill and reboil the kettle.

CHAPATTIS Scrunch up a large sheet of greaseproof paper under the tap. Flatten it out, then layer the chapattis
on top, drizzling each lightly with a little olive oil and a sprinkling of turmeric. Wrap them in the paper and put them on the middle shelf of the oven.

CARROT SALAD Toast the almonds in a small pan on a medium heat, tossing occasionally until golden.Tip into
a small bowl. Wash and trim the carrots. Grate them in food processor, using the coarse grater attachment, with the chilli (stalks and seeds removed), the top third of a bunch of coriander and a peeled 2cm piece of ginger. Tip into a serving bowl.

CURRY Check and add a splash of water if it looks a bitdry. Stir, then replace the lid.

RICE By now the 7 minutes should be up, so take the rice off the heat and leave it to sit with the lid on for 7 minutes. This
will let it steam and will give you beautiful fluffy nutty rice.

CARROT SALAD Drizzle a lug of extra virgin olive oil over the salad and add a pinch of salt. Finely grate in a little lemon zest, then add a good squeeze of lemon juice. Toss well. Sprinkle over the toasted almonds and half of the reserved coriander leaves, and take to the table.

CURRY Take the lid off. Do you need to adjust the consistency at this point? If so, you can add a generous splash of boiled water, depending on whether you want it drier or wetter. Or mash up some of the veg for different textures. Taste and add a pinch of salt, if needed, then add the spinach and stir through.

LEMON PICKLE Cut the lemon into eighths, then deseed and finely slice. Finely slice the red chilli quarter. Put the
small pan you toasted the almonds in back on to a medium to high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and the
mustard seeds, turmeric and the sliced chilli. Crumble in the dried chilli. When everything starts to sizzle, add the sliced lemon and a pinch of salt, count to ten, then take off the heat and put in a bowl to cool.

TO SERVE Tip half the tub of yoghurt into a small bowl. Drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and take to the table
with the poppadoms and the bowl of lemon pickle. Remove the chapattis from the oven and take them straight to the
table. Transfer the rice and curry into large serving bowls. Spoon the remaining yoghurt over the curry, sprinkle with the rest of the coriander leaves and take both bowls to the table. Crack open your beers and go for it!

Jamie's 30-Minute Meals is published by Penguin, £26

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5 Fascinating Things That We Just Learnt About Miuccia Prada

July 23, 2015, 6:13 am
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When it comes to great fashion designers of our time Miuccia Prada comes pretty high on the list. An innovator whose work straddles contemporary art, design and architecture, she's created a brand that's about so much more than fashion. The designer gave a rare interview with Guardian Weekly - here are five things we learnt about her that make us love her that little bit more.

1. Aged 14, she was the first person in her school to become a hippy.

2. She has a penchant for turban. For more on MyDaily's obsession with this particular head garment, please click here.

3. She studied for a PhD in political science.

4. She devoted a significant portion of life honing her skills as a mime artist.

5. She doesn't wear jeans. Like evs.

Read the full interview here.

miuccia prada

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Spring/Summer 2015: 6 Shoes To Invest In Now

July 23, 2015, 6:13 am
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It's no secret that normcore and pared-down trainers have ruled the runways in recent seasons - even at haute couture. So it was refreshing to see designers putting statement shoes front and centre for Spring/Summer 2015, with lashings of embellishment and paintbox brights order of the day.

shoes spring/summer 2015

Some seasons a trend is so prevalent across the fashion weeks the only plausible explanation is that designers voted on it by some form of top secret fashion poll. This season's ubiquitous trend was intricate lacing that extended to the knee in the form of ghillies or a gladiator sandals. Chloe's were coolest, Givenchy's were sexist and Alexander McQueen's were just plain unwalkable.

MORE: Spring/Summer 2015 - 6 of the biggest accessories trends

Elsewhere, molten metallics heated the catwalks, and the appetite for 1970s style translated to platform sandals perfect for a trip to Studio 54. Props to Hedi Slimane's glittering versions at Saint Laurent - definitely our shoe of the season. Sports luxe evolved into something just a little futuristic, and if you can't face heels, flatforms are the only way to go.

MORE: Spring/Summer 2015 - 8 trends to try right now

One final point: if you've got something to say, say it with a ridiculously loud pair of statement boots. Just ask Miuccia and Karl...
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A Glass Of Red Wine Is The Equivalent To An Hour At The Gym, Says New Study

July 23, 2015, 6:33 am
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Love a good glass of vino but hate hitting the gym to work it off? This news will make your day.

UPDATE: Drinking red wine could help burn fat, says new study

red wine

Research conducted by the University of Alberta in Canada has found that health benefits in resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, are similar to those we get from exercise.

Red wine over a heavy session on the cross-trainer? Now that's something we can definitely get onboard with.

MORE: Carrot Hunger - the calorie counting app that bullies you into losing weight

According to lead researcher, Jason Dyck, these findings will particularly help those who are unable to exercise. Resveratrol was seen to improve physical performance, heart function and muscle strength in the same way as they're improved after a gym session.

"I think resveratrol could help patient populations who want to exercise but are physically incapable," he says.
"Resveratrol could mimic exercise for them or improve the benefits of the modest amount of exercise that they can do."

Discussion over the health benefits of red wine have been well documented. Studies have revealed that those who drink a glass of red wine a day are less likely to develop dementia or cancer, that it's good for your heart, anti-ageing and can regulate blood sugar.

And now there's research backing that fact that it boosts heart rate? This is literally the best thing ever.

MORE: How to buy a good red wine for under £10

Though, let's be straight here - this is all in moderation, it only applies to red wine and the university's study was carried out on rats, not humans.

Still, if you want to up your intake of resveratrol? Try blueberries, peanut butter, red grapes and dark chocolate. Remember, a balanced diet is everything.

All about a healthy diet? Check out these 10 foods that will have your skin looking gorgeous and glowy in no time.

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Jennifer Hudson Smashes Denim On Denim At Campaign Launch For New York and Company's Soho Jeans

July 23, 2015, 7:58 am
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Surely the key quality of a denim model is the ability to pull off the tricksiest of fashion moves: denim on denim.

But here is Jennifer Hudson, looking absolutely stunning at the New York and Company's Soho Jeans collection, which she is the face of.

jennifer hudson

Here is an official shot from the campaign:

jennifer hudson

The collection is pretty affordable at the $70 (£50) mark, and is also available to a wide range of body types between sizes 0 to 18, whether tall or petite.

Talking about why they chose her for the campaign, chief marketing officer Cheryl Callan cited her 'authenticity'.

The actor and songwriter can be seen modelling high waist flare sailor jeans, boyfriend jeans and high waist jean leggings, to a boho fringed skirt.

Speaking about her own style, she said: "What I love most about New York is the diversity. It's a haven for individuality and I have always found that to be inspiring. That sort of energy affects me in all ways but especially when it comes to my style."

Oh, and one last style tip to take away from Hudson? Red lipstick ALWAYS makes denim on denim pop.

jennifer hudson



SEE ALSO:

We Try The Best Sweat Proof Makeup


When Tattoo Cover-Ups Actually Go Right, For Once
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