FABULOUS FRIDAYS: BRIMMING WITH AWESOMENESS

via the fantastic nail blog Gorgeois, here's the full link on how to get these 'man-eater' nails! Check out the part 2 bit of the nail shots - there's a full set of vampy teeth beneath the lips! 

Whoop whoop, it's Friday! I for one am kinda relieved actually since it's been one of those slightly exhausting weeks. I am super pleased the weekend is just around the corner! What are you guys all up to? What are your fall reads? I'm looking forward to catching up with my gal pals whom I've missed dearly and make a start on gathering up my summer wardrobe and making the swap.

Stunning Rose photo/painting via showstudio.tumblr.com

Looking at this piece of work you'd never know it was iconic fashion photographer Nick Knight who captured this. I'm gutted I'll be missing out on his exhibition named 'Flora' (in Mayfair, London), which is something completely unexpected from the guy who has collaborated with the likes of Lady Gaga, Louis Vuitton, Massive Attack & also been know to work on various controversial issues.

From Who What Wear Daily, I couldn't resist but re-post this style stalker page... I mean, come on, who doesn't love Miroslava Duma's awesome style & adore her taste in knock-out pieces of bling?
Who else is on your style radar right now? Please do share some new names with me!

The closer it gets to Christmas (The December Issues) the more I get excited about the covers and the jam-packed content. I always get the Vogue UK December issue, as there's usually an epic photo-shoot involving Tim Walker and a front cover to die for.
Right now,  I'm in love with these beautiful November covers, especially Salma Hayek's cover for Harper's Bazaar. Totally Smokin' hot!

via Fashionologie

This is really really random, but the other day I dreamt about having long luscious locks, then I woke up and realised it was all just a dream. Ever since the chop I've missed styling my hair in more versatile ways. The barnet is growing, but I do miss my tresses, especially since it was chilly in London. Anyhoos, for those of you who love a good top knot, here's a super fun video from Refinery 29 on how to make yours just that little bit more awesome! 

Happy weekend folks! 

x.o.x.o

New month, new hair... Just how short?

Happy July to you loves! So how's the weekend going so far? 

Ok, I've finally given in to submitting some kind of photographic evidence that my hair has been cut short, above: the sleek and chic version and below, a slightly messier look (- I'm not wearing any make up so yes, there is censorship just in case I frighten you poor loves into shockosphere). Know what? A new hair cut is quite liberating & also it feels really good knowing that my hair - a whole stonking  14" has been donated to the Little Princess Trust, which they'll be using to make into a wig. My genius of a hairdresser Nick, left a few pieces at the front (the long piece so he could play with that later), pulled two ponytails, one on the top half of head and another bottom half - cutting that piece first to determine length (and just how short I was prepared to go) then the top half piece where he was able to go shorter - old snaps of hair here. I did have images with me (along with an addressed envelope/elastic bands/tissue paper to wrap hair in) but since Nick (Harringtons) has been cutting my hair for well over a decade, I thought I'd let him work his magic. Et Voila!

I'm loving the versatility of this cut and although the short length has taken some getting used to I know it'll take no time to grow out, especially in this heat. With a little salt spray or texturising wax/gum the messy look can be achieved in no time at all, which is great for someone who is relatively low-maintenance. What do you think? Would any of you ever go for a dramatic chop?

Welcoming the new month with these words...

 image via here edited with Abes quote.

This shot of Angkor Wat was taken many moons ago... words borrowed with some additional bits from moi!

Kalo Mina & have a wonderfully wow July loves!

The future Chop & Kérastase "Cristalliste" Hair heaven

In just a little over a weeks time, I will be saying goodbye to my long hair and going for the big chop. I know, no big deal right? But I guess for everyone, it's different. I do love having long hair, but I'm pretty easy going too, after all it does grow back... and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
There's two reasons why I'm doing it, 1) It's freakin' hot here in Greece and 2) Someone else needs my hair more than I do. I'll be donating about a foot or more of hair to the Little Princess Trust. Least I know my hair will be going to be put to good use, I can't imagine how a child may feel having lost their hair to cancer treatment.

The above is just a little inspiration of what is yet to come, I might just share the sacred shot when the deal is done! Eek! For more summer hair inspiration and to see just how short my hair once was, click here.

Peek-a-boo! ;)

Recently, I received a lovely new Kérastase "Cristalliste" line from the lovely folks at L'Oreal Paris GR, which is specifically designed for the treatment of long hair. The shampoo exceeded my expections by a mile off, all I'll say is that a little goes a long way since the product lathers exceptionally well. The smell is somewhat familiar - reminding me of the L'oreal Elvive Nutri-gloss Shampoo/Conditoner range (in the Pink bottles), it's fresh, sweet and clean. Overall I loved how my hair felt after a rinse through.

With the range being suited to long hair, I expected the conditioner to have a much thicker, creamier consistency, but for some reason, it was a much lighter formula which did the job of light conditioning. Still, it's not bad, since my roots didn't get overly greasy & my hair was a lot smoother.

Lastly the serum is the icing on the cake - it really is a wonderful product, which also smells amazing and creates serious shine without weighing down the hair.
What I love most about this range is the fact that it contains no parabens, colourants or silicone.
Check it out - I didn't have to blow dry my hair or anything (too hot here!), I just happen to have very straight hair even when it dries naturally, the results are below! (p.s I always comb through wet hair, usually the ends gently and then let it dry naturally).

 Thank you L'Oreal Paris GR!

Hope you're all having a fantastic week!

Images from Bob Hair collage via various sources from Pinterest, becomegorgeous.com, allwomenstalk, ibtimes & sugarscape.

Hair & Beauty How to: Old Hollywood Glamour

NB: Video How-To's below!

I have a thing for movies from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's... especially the glamorous style, everything from the dramatic gowns, perfectly groomed hair and slick red lips seen on the silver screen from that era. Oooh and let's not forget how amazing Kim Basinger looked in L.A Confidential, Marilyn Monroe in 'Some Like it Hot' and of course the big screen sirens of the 40's and 50's - Rita Hayworth & Veronica Lake.

Veronica Lake via Perfect People

I love this shoot she did - looking amazing right?

Kirsten Dunst, working the old Hollywood glam vibe for V mag
via Just Jared

Kate Bosworth the epitome of Old Hollywood style here

Scarlett 's perfect pout on the red carpet, in The Black Dhalia & being the perfect choice for advertising D&G's lipstick. She just oozes glamour!

Scarlett Johannson the modern day Hollywood Starlet for D & G make up

Drew Barrymore rocking Jean Harlow 20's style hair & Jessica Alba in Old Hollywood Glam

Angelina Jolie looking irresistibly divine in a blush gown & hot red lips.

Kate Beckinsale in Pearl Harbour

Dita Von Teese for WonderBra - looking sensational and immaculately groomed as always

This is so random, but a great retrospective of formal hair styles back in the day!
via retrohairstyles.com



Vogue (Korea) Editorial for July 2010

I also love the modern day take on Old Hollywood Glamour as seen regularly on the likes of Gwen Stefani, Dita Von Teese, Christina Aguilera (when she was in that phase) and Sienna Miller ( on the red carpet).
A dash of red lippie is the way to injecting instant glamour to any look you're working and soft finger waves (either by 1 1/4 wide tongs or rollers) and curls are a quick fire way to channeling Old Hollywood Glamour.

This awesome 1940's makeup video by Look Magazine is less than 4 minute long with some very cool tips!

To get Kate Bosworths chic one-sided curls, you're going to need to 'apply mousse from root to ends and blow dry until 100% dry. Use heated rollers, winding sections of hair down either side of the head, and one row going backwards from the forehead, over the crown, down the nape of the neck. Remove rollers, loosen the curl by combing through with your fingers and crate a low side parting by tucking one side behind your ear.’ (info via Elle magazine)

Alternatively, check out this short video by Handbag.com for step by step instructions.

So, what fashion/beauty era do you love & why?

Images & ref via: FabSugar, Cosmopolitan, Just Jared, Vogue Korea, Elle UK, Fashion Gone Rogue.

Looking good: Summer Hair & Beauty Looks I love

Cameron Diaz looks uber hot via Look

Sometimes, with all this heat, I just want to scrape my hair up into a messy bun, lucky for me this is becoming more possible as my hair is finally growing out from a long bob length! Phew!

image via Metro

I have always loved Sarah Jessica Parker's messy high bun look in the SATC series, and although I can't recreate this look on myself... yet, I hope some of you can. I can just about manage Cam's look above.

Anyhow, I stumbled across these fabulous videos via Grazia - which can be re-created in a jiffy. They're bloody brilliant if i might say so and they're less than 6 minutes long! Check it out!!!

Hair: Glam messy bun




p.s You can probably pick up a sponge doughnut from Hondos Centre or Claire's Accessories in Athens.
Otherwise in Boots, Superdrugs etc in UK.

Make-up: Summer Aqua Smoky eyes
I have a penchant for turquoise or aqua make up... This look is easy as chips! Love it!



I dare you not to try these looks and look super duper glam after! You'll have to let me know how you get on - show me some picture love girls!

Friday Best 110610

Question: I gotta ask, who are the amazing hair and make-up duo that work their magic on Zeta Makripoulia of 'Dancing with the Stars, Greece'? Do you know who styles her?

Each week she rocks a different kinda look and she looks every inch a starlet. Check out some of the different looks below and the anonymous guys who do their creative thang-do any of you know who they are? They are seriously awesome!

Every since I came over to Greece I have long admired the talent of Hair and Make-up artists - all the TV presenters here look fabulous and the glossies have slick made-up spreads!

I want this dress!!!!

Sexy hair? Check, Sexy frock? Check, Do I look stunning? Check!
Images via Antenna

It's that time of the year again - Graduate Fashion Week! I used to go every year (when i could escape work) to check out the new talent. River Island have been the main sponsor of this event for the past 6 years now, showcasing all the top Fashion Insititutes across the UK. Check out the winners & more info here and see Kelis (where has she been all this time?) wearing the Graduate Fashion Week designs here.

Images via River Island

Newsflash!
Business of Fashion's exclusive interview Natalie Massenet on launching Mr. Porter - yes, menswear is going to be available soon! Click here for the whole interview and story.

Make!
Most of you already know Maddie of Wardrobe Recycle, she is one talented lady if anything and could probably whip up an amazing dress if she was given a black bin liner!
Click here for her SATC 2 Revisted post where she makes a very cool cutaway dress in a few easy steps!

Buy!
Katerina @ Fashion Algorithms and Alecca Rox recently posted about online shopping - Pink Caro and the 20% discount code.
Tex @ Fashion Butter sure made good use of that code and bought herself a stunning draped, full length, jersey s - she looks every inch the Grecian Goddess all at the bargain price of around 26 euros after a original 60% discount and 20% discount at checkout - check her out here she looks amazing.

Join!

Image via IFB

If you don't already know about the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB)or haven't signed up yet and have a Fashion Blog - do it now!
I was recently left a comment from Cara@IFB - promptly reminding me of their fabulous existence and what they do, see here for more info.

I don't nearly write enough about fashion though, it's not intentional... but having had some interesting experiences over the past 11 years in this industry, I could share some industry info with you all (from Buying, Styling, Visual Merchandising, Public Relations etc etc) if you're interested in getting a career in fashion.

I'm not sure how it all works here in Greece though, my experience is purely based on a semi typical route into fashion in the UK... So drop me a comment if you'd like to see the odd post about the world that is fashion!

Ciao Bella & Have a fab weekend!

x.o.x.o

Summer hair Inspiration

I'm currently stuck in a bit of hair rut, as my hair is in that growing out an style phase. Last May, I went for the big scary chop, quite drastic huh?

I had a lopsided, asymmetric bob and now it's more like Alexa Chung's length only a wee bit longer now.

Growing out a fringe is not easy and requires a lot of patience and creativity if you, like me get bored really quickly. I have to say i do like the slightly wavy look that's Alexa's got going on, but now i need some inspiration on how to wear my hair for summer. I'm sweeping mine up to one side, wearing lots of cute headbands and also working one of summer's hottest styles, the one side braided look. Check out below for some easy summery styles, hope you enjoy!

Kate Bosworth working the braided up do, doesn't she look oh-so pretty?

Nicole Ritchie, never failing to look good in any braided style

Jessica Alba looking gorgeous in her plaited up do

Wanna get the fishtail/herringbone braided look? Check out this feature by Goop



Easy summer hair styles

Ashley Olsen working some waves, me love!

Sienna Miller looking smoking hot in a half up do, i love the versatility of this style.

Whitney Port wearing a messy top knot style, great for those really hot days, especially if you have really long hair.

images via: BellaSugar, Elle Uk, Marie Claire, Goop, Wikstenmade