Long Hairstyles 2010

30 for 30 Challenge: The Remixers

Last summer I embarked on a six month shopping ban and whilst it was great for my bank balance and taught me to really appreciate what is in my wardrobe, those lessons and benefits have fallen by the wayside since the ban ended at the beginning of the year. Both the boyf and my mother have suggested that I do it again but a whole six months feels like such a long time now. However with a holiday on the horizon and birthdays and my Paris trip and then Christmas, I need to get my finances in order and had already decided to take a month off shopping – next month, to be precise – when I came across this challenge:


Kendi of Kendi Everyday challenged herself and others earlier this year to wear and remix 30 items from their wardrobe for 30 days.


So I thought, why not? I could do that too. Couldn’t I?


So, starting tomorrow, this is what I will be doing. I have chosen my 30 items from my wardrobe – and washed and ironed them all – and every day for the next 30 days I will post my “remixed” outfit here, featuring the 30 carefully chosen items.


Now, later this month I am off on holiday for 10 days, so I have had to factor this into my decision making a little which means that a fair few of my 30 items are beach related. We’ll just have to see how that works out for the 20 or so days that I’m not on holiday and that, instead, I am in rainy Britain.


There is another reason for my deciding to set myself this challenge: I have recently fallen out of love with everything in my wardrobe. Every morning as I lie in bed trying to convince myself to get up, I do a little mental tour of my wardrobe and instantly wish I didn't have to get up because, despite a wardrobe packed with clothes and drawers overflowing with more clothes, I have nothing to wear. I’m hoping that this challenge will remind me of all of the lovely clothes I have and give me some ideas for those mornings when I feel less than enthusiastic about the contents of my wardrobe.


To get me going I’ve even planned a few “fall back” outfits in case I get stuck for ideas at any point but I won't reveal anything here!


If you’re after a little more of an extreme challenge, you could try the Six Items Or Less Challenge!


If you do decide to take up either of these challenges, why not tell us all about it? Leave a comment here or send me an email and I might even feature you.


I’d just like to add that I found out about the challenge from Modly Chic – Modly Chic is a fashion blog for the average girl who cares about looking good without spending a lot of money and without looking cheap. Sounds good? Then go check this wonderful and pretty blog out.

Beauty Review: Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash

I wasn't sure that I really believed the adverts when I first bought the Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash. But it works. It really does.

I am lazy and that means that when it comes to moisturising, I don't. In the winter that's not so bad as I'm all covered up but come summer and short sleeves and no tights, I have a problem. A flaky skin problem. Which is not very attractive.

This summer was no different. So when I saw the adverts for the Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash I couldn't help but be a little bit excited. I have to shower, right? And whilst in the shower I use a body wash, right? So now I could exactly what I was doing and still not bother mositurise and my flaky skin would be a thing of the past. It was worth a go.

A month on and I am still using the body wash. I was surprised at how quickly my arms looked better. I even stopped using it for a few days and the flakes came back! I have got a bit better at moisturising my legs but I will not stop using this body wash.

10 out of 10 Dove, thank you very much.

Have you tried Dove's Visible Care Creme Body Wash? If so, what did you think? What is your shower/post-shower regime? Are you lazy, like me? Or are you a bathroom goddess?

Life begins at 50

That's Not My Age has been planning ahead. OK so I've got a few years to go till I hit the big 5-0 but when that day finally comes, I'd like to be prepared. Scientific research carried out at a top secret laboratory this week reveals that on entering the sixth decade, it's not too late to:

1. Run 100 metres



Jamaican-born runner Merlene Ottey, 50, is the oldest athlete to perform in the European Championships, ever. Later today she'll be representing Slovenia in the 4x 100 metres relay final. 'It's really truly amazing that she's still competing,' says former Olympic record-holder, Michael Johnson, 42, 'That she still has the desire, I don't have that desire to be out there.'


2. Get your kit off



'I am so bored with seeing stories about a mature man of 65 falling in love with a beautiful girl of 32,' Kristin Scott Thomas, 50, says of her latest film Leaving, 'Here a mature woman in her 40s, falls in love with another mature man, who isn’t a sex god figure. He’s just a bloke.’

The supremely talented KST, an early contender for the 2011 SBAFta (Style Begins at Forty)Best Actor award, admits that the sex scenes in the film, ‘Were nerve-wracking. I got the heebie-jeebies at one point, and we had to postpone shooting... though, there were a lot of other women on the shoot, like the cinematographer Agnès Godard, who were very supportive.'

3. Become a style icon



The latest series of Mary Queen of Shops saw the retail guru's profile sky-rocket. As well as making-over the nation's independent shops, Portas has become a role model for women who 'don't want to dress like their daughters,' and is planning a new series aimed at 'defiantly redefining middle age as the most desirable age bracket to be in.'

4. Shock old ladies



Rupert Everett, 51, has spent his whole life rebelling against a very conservative, colonial upbringing. On this week's Who do you think you are?, whilst uncovering his family tree, the actor met great aunt Marguerite for the very first time. She informed him that his great grandfather, Fred Everett, was a philandering sailor and a rebel, but, that she liked naughty boys. And so does Rupes.

Margueruite: 'Ooh you're not playing for the other side are you?!'
Rupes: 'This is rapidly deteriorating into an Ealing comedy.'


Photos
Merlene Ottey: Getty Images
Kristin Scott Thomas, photos and quote: The List
Mary Portas: Telegraph
Rupert Everett: BBC

Dominic Jones Jewellery

I love the latest collection by young London-based jewellery designer Dominic Jones. The collection features rose thorns and I particularly love the rose gold thorn stud earrings, necklace and knuckle duster ring, worn by model du jour Alice Dellal below.

new outfit

All H&M, shoes: Mezura

Here is one new outfit I bought during my shoppingday. The colours are very nude and pastel, but I really love it.
It's classy and simple.
I also bought other things wich I will show you some other time.
Tomorrow it's my last day in the store, Then I really have vacations! Sunday I'm going to play paintball with friends, I hope
I don't return with to many bruses :).

Greetz and love, X

J'aime mon carré

Hot off the success of Burberry's Art of the Trench site which was launched last year, Hermès have launched a fansite of their own: J'aime Mon Carré: learn out to knot your scarf the Hermès way and check how others are wearing theirs.

Info and photo courtesy of the fabulous Fashion Foie Gras - if you haven't checked out Emily's blog yet, go do it now!!

Bargain of the Day: Asos Chunky Metal Ring

Looking for a cheap and cheerful update for your wardrobe that'll see you through to next season whilst still being on-trend now? Make a statement now and then with this Chunky Engraved Metal Ring from Asos, £10.

Something for the Weekend #5: 30/07/2010

I know that a lot of blogs already do this and indeed even our very own Independent Fashion Bloggers has their own Links à la Mode and now I propose to have my own Weekly Links series.


This week:


♥ Why not check out Good Life For Less' Guide to Better Blogging?


♥ And Rachel Phipps' Top Ten Websites For Fashion Bloggers? 


♥ Discover a new blog with an exciting daily mission: at New Dress A Day Marisa seeks to create a new dress each day with only a $1 a day: read all about the project here.


♥ Visit my Stylish Sister's brand sparkling new website - Sew Beautiful Designs - which very soon will have all of her wonderful handmade stock right there for you to buy.


♥ There's a new Asos Magazine out now and there's no need to clutter the place up with more magazines - you can read it online. This month's cover girl is one of our very own Style Icons, Olivia Palermo.


♥ Whether this is your first visit to Sugar & Spice or you're a regular reader, if you like what you're reading maybe you'd kindly consider nominating my little blog for the first ever Cosmopolitan Blog Awards in the Fashion & Style section?


Of course, I'd love you to check out my favourite blog posts from the past week:


♥ Check out what's in My Jewellery Box;


♥ Share in my joy at finding a maxi dress that actually fits;


♥ Join the debate, what do you think? Delivery costs: fair enough or enough's enough?


And one final reason to be happy that it's the weekend: it's pay day today.


Have a good weekend one and all. And, if you have a post you'd like me to read this week, email it to me or leave a link in the comments here.


Photos from: New Dress A Day; Rachel Phipps; Sugar and Spice; Sugar and Spice

Quick post

scarf: H&M, Dress: Esprit EDC, Belt: Market, Shoes: Killah

Sorry for the lack of pictures, I didn't had a lot of time, but I really wanted to show you this outfit.
It's simple but also colourfull and thats what I love about it.
Maybe you noticed that the name of blog blog changed (the url) I did it because this name specifies that my blog is about fashion,
I'm also making a orginal headliner for my blog.
Today I went shopping with my sister, I bought a lot of nice things. I will show them to you as soon as possible ;).
I only have to work two days and then my real vacations can start!

Do you guys want to score my contribution on hypeed?

http://hypeed.com/The-age-of-vintage-v1606

thanks!!

Greetz and love, X

Bargain of the Day: heeled moccasins from Pare Gabia

Looking for a bargain and one that will see you through into the new season too? Why not snatch up these heeled moccasins that currently have 50% off in the Spartoo sale. Pare Gabia Crine in Blackberry, were £145, now £72.50.

The Aviator Trend

The aviator trend looks set to be huge this A/W, and the aviator jacket with shearling lining is the must-buy item of the season. I love the toughness of this look which is contrasted with the shearling lining, perfect for the dressed down look. The flying style would look great teamed with a military shirt and neutral shades.

Acne has produced a beautiful stone coloured aviator-style jacket and flying hat for A/W (below), I bought a similar vintage flying hat in Buenos Aires earlier this year. Natalie Hartley (below), from the go-to style blog, Natalie Hartley wears, has recently been sporting many fantastic pieces from the aviator trend and gives many outfit ideas. Asos.com also has more affordable pieces if you’re looking to channel the trend on the high-street.

Style Icon: Daisy Lowe

Daisy Lowe is set to be one of the style icons of the 2010s.


The fashion model is the daughter of the singer/songwriter turned textile and fashion designer, Pearl Lowe and Gavin Rossdale, the front man for the band Bush.


At just 21, Daisy Lowe has already graced the cover of British Vogue as well as the covers and pages of many other fashion publications. She is currently fronting the commercial campaign for her mother's range at bargain high street store, Peacocks.


Lowe has appeared on the catwalks of London, New York and Milan for a number of fashion houses, including Burberry and Vivienne Westwood and Henry Holland.


What do you think of this young ladies eclectic style?


If you have missed the previous style icons featured on the blog, check them out here.

Tell me, who is your style icon?

A Room With A View

Have I told you we can see Big Ben from the end of our road? No, we don't live on Downing Street, Mr TNMA is certainly not part of the Brokeback Coalition and That's Not My Age mansions is not a fancy pants penthouse in central London. We live in a humble two-bedroomed flat, on a hill, a couple of miles south of the river. Zone two, if you must know.

Being on the fourth floor means we get to see excellent sunsets over the tower blocks of Stockwell. Cross the road to the local park for fabulous views of the cityscape. Bear with me, I'm getting there...and so, my love for the London skyline is what attracted me to the work of textile designer, Charlene Mullen (who coincidentally lives round the corner from me). The 46-year-old says her handmade, scenic cushions and lampshades, 'Are my idea of a Bayeux Tapestry.' Mullen's work is hand-embroidered in the UK and India. Aside from producing beautiful homewares, the designer likes finding old boys to work with, her merino wool blankets are crafted by Raymond Jones of Melin Teifi in Wales and 73-year-old Francis Moore. Mullen also collaborates with Working Well, a mental health charity in east London.






Check out Charlene Mullen's new website here, or view the collection at:

Maison Objet, Paris, 3-7 September 2010

The Tramshed during London Design Festival, 18-26 September 2010

Decorex International, 26-29 September 2010

Bargain of the Day: Vanessa Bruno Athé sandals from the Outnet

If you're still looking for a pair of sandals for your last minute holiday, look no further. These Vanessa Bruno Athé Studded leather flat sandals, from the Outnet, now have 55% off: Original Price £195 Now £87.75.

Mani of the week: French Mani

What do you think of my DIY French Manicure?


I used 17 Strengthening Base Coat, No7 Nail Tip Whitener and Chanel Le Vernis in Flamme Rose.

The long awaited maxi dress

Yes! I finally found a maxi dress that I liked and isn't too long. And here it is:

The dress is from H&M, as is the scarf, the belt is Dorothy Perkins, bangle from Next and the shoes from Spartoo.


I also had a play with my remote:

What do you think of my long awaited maxi? And of my final photos?

Acne at LFW S/S 11

London Fashion Week (17 – 22 September) is quickly approaching and with the release of the designer schedule a fortnight ago, I’ve begun to get really excited about what S/S 11 has in store for us.

It’s been a busy year for Swedish label Acne. Not only have they opened a flagship store in London’s Mayfair but they have also announced that they will be showing at LFW for the first time! Acne is one of my favourite labels, I have a real thing about Swedish style at the moment, and so I am really looking forward to seeing what they have in stall for us. If the S/S 11 Pre-Collection is anything to go by, it’s going to be good.