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November 13 Free coffee and cake at Liberty'sFancy a well-earned break from Christmas shopping? How about some free coffee and cake to go with it?
Nescafé will be hosting a pop-up coffee house at London’s iconic department store, Liberty, from Monday 23rd November until Friday 28th November.
The coffee house will be nestled on the third floor of Liberty’s and open from 11am until 6pm (with a special late night opening on Thursday 27th November). Ideal for Christmas shoppers or those just looking to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle, the café will be serving a range of complimentary Nescafé coffees, all served in exquisite bone china coffee cups, along with deliciously decadent cupcakes, to be enjoyed in the surroundings of one of London’s top destination stores.
Swing by and rest your feet from a big day's Christmas shopping.
Liberty Store, Regent Street, London, W1B 5AH.
 November 12 Lovely LOLA's Kitchen cupcakesThis blog is about all things gorgeous, so when a box of delicious LOLA's cupcakes arrived at our offices, we had to say a big Thank You. LOLA’s Kitchen is a boutique bakery which makes chic and delicious cupcakes, all baked fresh in small batches throughout the day. They have just developed a delicious range of seasonal cupcakes for a frosting-filled Merry Christmas, including a new aromatic gingerbread sponge. The Ho Ho Ho collection, which has cupcakes iced in lovely festive colours with matching sprinkles and edible Christmas images, would make a perfect dessert at a dinner party. Or try the Snowflake collection cupcakes, frosted with white chocolate and butter cream icing and dusted with an assortment of crushed candy canes, snowballs, silver stars and sparkling edible glitter. LOLA's Kitchen have recently launched their first cupcake bar in the Selfridges Food Hall in London, so swing by for a coffee and a treat next time you're shopping in town. Visit the website at www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk to find out more.
Don't squeeze a spot until you've watched this!Let's face it, most of us are tempted to squeeze if we fall victim to a spot, but there is a safe and effective way of doing it which prevents redness and scarring. The Pore Draw technique, pioneered by Karin Herzog, gets great reviews in the press and on Twitter and Facebook. The technique can be experienced as a facial at salons (you may have heard of Bliss Spa's Oxygen Facials, which according to US Vogue treated even "elephant man acne") and there is now a home tutorial video, with step by step instructions, for people to try in the comfort of their own bathrooms. Karin Herzog's Julie Cichoki says: "Not everyone can get to the spas and salons and almost everyone has congested skin, especially those living in highly polluted urban cities, so many will benefit from following this tutorial." Watch the video and save yourself potential scarring by extracting pores in the right way. November 11 The Christmas Gift Selector!Stuck for inspiration when it comes to buying presents for your loved ones? Then check out our Christmas Gift Selector, which is packed with ideas for all your friends and loved ones. Simply describe what sort of person they are and how they like spending their time and the Gift Selector will recommend stacks of suitable presents, from under £10 to over £200, which you can purchase right there and then. Taking the hassle out of Christmas Shopping.  November 10 Bag a celebrity T-dress at River Island and raise money for a great causeAlesha Dixon, Pixie Lott, Kelly Rowland and boy band Kid British have teamed up with leading high street retailer River Island, for an exclusive range of T-shirts in aid of youth charity, The Prince’s Trust. The collection has been designed by River Island’s top young designers especially for each celeb, all of whom are Prince’s Trust Ambassadors, to reflect each star’s own personal style – and for a short time only you can get your hands on them too. The unique designs will go on sale at River Island stores and online, with all profits going to The Prince’s Trust to help change young lives. Pixie Lott’s T-dress fuses a fun zebra print with her signature punky rock twist, featuring this season’s key trend of fringing. “My T-shirt dress is everything it should be - cheeky, fun and cool. I’m hoping it will raise a lot of money for The Prince’s Trust as it’s a cause close to my heart,” says Pixie. Alesha Dixon’s T-dress personifies the ultimate disco-diva! Purple sequins, a belted waist and feminine flower embellishment make this dress sexy and fun – perfect for dancing the night away! Says Alesha: “My T-shirt dress is fabulous - it’s really me - and I can’t wait to wear it on stage or for a night out partying.” Kelly Rowland describes her style as “classic meets contemporary with an edge of sexiness”. Her T-dress is a beautifully structured, one shoulder design, with stunning crystal detailing. She says, “I have always loved things that sparkle – you’ll see that my River Island T has gorgeous crystals all over it.” For the lads, the team at River Island have been inspired by Kid British’s cool and laid back style. The four T-shirts are perfect everyday staples. Each T-shirt combines a classic design with an on-trend twist, such as Sean’s gorilla print T and James’ classic polo shirt with on-trend stripes. The River Island Presents…T’s for The Trust range will go on sale in all River Island stores on 12th November and are available online now at www.riverisland.com, all profits will go to The Prince’s Trust. October 22 Style dilemma? Email us now!Would you like some help in the fashion department? Do you have a big event coming up and are not sure what to wear, or simply need to smarten up your wardrobe? Whatever your needs, email Emma with your Style Dilemma here at MSN Life & Style, including a full length picture of yourself if possible. Emma is an experienced stylist who wants to help us girls, of all shapes and sizes, to look our very best when it comes to fashion. No matter what your fashion dilemma might be, Emma is able to help you look gorgeous by finding shapes and styles that will best suit you, all at affordable prices from the high street stores. Unfortunately, Emma is unable to answer all questions personally but we will do our best to answer as many of your Style Dilemmas through Emma's column as possible. Emma can be contacted for consultancy through her business at emma@styledilemma.co.uk but please note all services beyond this column will be chargeable at usual rates. Visit www.styledilemma.co.uk to see Emma's website. Get Cheryl Cole's style!A new website has just launched which is completely dedicated to Cheryl Cole's style and shows you exactly how to emulate her look.
With a team of experts on hand to show you how to emulate Cheryl's make-up looks, hair, style and (for the hardcore) figure, the site is an absolute dream for all fashionista Cheryl fans out there.
In addition to the blog commentary, there is a series of lookbooks with ‘skinted’ and ‘minted’ versions of how to get the ‘Cheryl look’. These are based upon Cheryl’s different outfits each week during the X Factor 2009 Series and also the video for her first solo single ‘Fight for This Love’.
Within the ‘buy the look’ section, there are more lookalike, high street alternatives for the individual ‘Looks’ contained within the Lookbook section, making Cheryl's style accessible for all.
Visit www.cherylcolestyle.com to find out more!* *nb: this site is not endorsed by Cheryl Cole
 October 20 Time for a pampering giftTis soon the season to be pampered, so what better gift for your loved ones than the ultimate health and beauty voucher? The Wahanda voucher is the most widely accepted voucher of its kind in the UK, valid at over 360 spas, salons, fitness studios and wellness centres nationwide. With new venues added daily, it’s fabulously flexible and perfect for anyone who’s picky about their presents. Prices start at just £25 and range up to £200, so whether you’re looking for a stocking filler or luxurious surprise they’ve got it covered. Plus, each voucher purchase of £50 or more includes a free Thalgo Love Your Skin gift set, and last minute shoppers needn’t miss out with our guaranteed next day delivery as standard. Present suggestions: • For the Aspiring WAG Party season means pampering, and any girl who loves her beauty fix will enjoy a Wahanda spa gift voucher. From everyday facial and manicure treatments to looking 10 years younger with Botox, teeth whitening and hair extensions, she can indulge in the same super spas as Madge and Posh. • For the Fitness Fanatic You can’t treat your fit, toned, treadmill-obsessed friends with a big box of chocolates. Show how well you know them with a voucher which they can spend on the latest Power Plate craze, Pilates classes or even ski training sessions, as well as splurge on their January detox. • For the Workaholic This friend may not know the meaning of me-time. A spa voucher will give them the chance to unwind in country spa retreats and hotel spas such as Spa SPC at Stoke Park or Champneys health farms. Or they can even stay at home to indulge with a mobile spa, so there’s no excuse not to relax. • For the Man in Your Life The Wahanda voucher works for the boys, too. 65% of male spa bookings are for men’s massage, so why not treat him to one? He might prefer a heart-hugging fitness class, a luxury wet shave so he’s groomed and gorgeous this Christmas or a romantic spa break – a gift for you, too! Whoever is on your Christmas list this year, make their individual wishes come true. For full details see www.wahanda.com/voucher.
October 16 Lavazza launches iconic “Italian Espresso Experience” calendarLavazza has just unveiled its iconic calendar for 2010 and it's a stunner. Shot by influential British photographer Miles Aldridge, the calendar illustrates ‘The Italian Espresso Experience’ through Italian music. Featuring six of the world’s most famous models (Bianca Balti, Georgia Frost, Lydia Hearst, Daisy Lowe, Alexandra Tomlinson and Alek Alexeyeva) the calendar takes inspiration from six well known Italian songs, such as Nessun Dorma, through Aldridge’s retro inspired images. The images are all fantastic and we just had to show you some here: Only a limited number of calendars are produced each year and are sent to a carefully controlled list of loyal recipients across Europe. Further information is available at www.lavazza2010.com. October 12 Take time out at The Chelsea Day SpaDiscover a new destination for the ultimate in beauty, relaxation and rejuvenation by visiting The Chelsea Day Spa, a privately-run spa by Faye Fasan situated on the middle of King’s Road, London.
With stunning design features reminiscent of a boutique hotel, The Chelsea Day Spa houses an extensive list of treatments, including the luxurious anti-ageing Elixir d’OR Gold and Crushed Pearl Facial (£125) by premium French skincare brand, Jean d’Estrees and the celebrity favourite for immediate visible results, O2 Intraceuticals (Oxygen) Facials with NEW Clarity Infusion (fans include Madonna, Eva Longoria Parker and Justin Timberlake and prices start from £125).
The Chelsea Day Spa emphasises its long term approach to skin and body care to achieve longer lasting benefits with its prescriptive Mary Cohr and Skinceuticals facials and personalised aromatherapy, Swedish and sports massages. For serious face and body rejuvenation and beauty indulgence, The Chelsea Day Spa has also created a trio of signature packages, including:
• The Sloane Signature, £250 (4hrs 30mins)
A heavenly half-day treat including The Chelsea Manicure and Pedicure, Mary Cohr Facial, Aromatherapy Massage and Spa Aromatique Body Treatment • The Chelsea Signature, £180 (3hrs) A four-part package including The Chelsea Manicure and Pedicure, Mary Cohr Facial and Aromatherapy Massage • The Chelsea Girl Signature, £100 (90 mins) A set of express treats perfect for those on a tight schedule or for a pre-party pamper including The Chelsea Girl (mini) Manicure and Pedicure, The Chelsea Girl (mini) Facial, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Eyebrow Shape and Eyelash Tint The Chelsea Day Spa also provides basic personal grooming services for both men and women such as light, gentle waxing with Lycon & Oritree, eye lash and brow tinting, express and deluxe nail therapy (manicures and pedicures) with Jessica, and body treatments. For alluring, striking eyes, The Chelsea Day Spa offers state of the art semi-permanent lash extensions by Nouveau Lashes (£140), designed to deliver longer, thicker, natural looking lashes.
Clients at The Chelsea Day Spa can also purchase the new US anti-ageing skincare range, Face It, Mary Cohr, Planet Skincare, Jean d’Estrees and Jessica products.
To book an appointment at The Chelsea Day Spa by Faye Fasan, please call 020 7351 0911. My first half marathon!Shift over Ms Radcliffe, I've just run my first half marathon. And I did it in one hour and 52 minutes! (Granted my better half shaved 10 minutes off that time, but he's 6ft 2in, has longer legs and is a MAN.) I'm well chuffed and want to say big thanks to Matt Roberts - and especially their trainer Karen - who has spent hours training me both in the gym and outside, running laps around Hyde Park, Battersea Park and South Bank throughout this summer. (Readers who are interested in training might like to know that Matt Roberts will be scheduling 11am runs outside their Chelsea gym on Sundays from now until Christmas - for free! Just email the team to let them know you'd like to attend in advance - and what running level you're at. ) The Royal Parks Half Marathon is a great event for runners, with loads of atmosphere and beautiful sites to take in. We were lucky to have access to the VIP tent so were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Nell McAndrew (who ran it in one hour and 26 mins), James Cracknell, Ben Fogle, Alesha Dixon, Antony Costa and more. And there's plenty of entertainment going on for supporters to enjoy, including lots of tasty food stalls. 15,000 runners took part in the event, which started and finished in Hyde Park and took in St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park en route, raising more than £2million for charity. For more information visit www.royalparkshalf.com or www.pulse3k.com.  October 06 Tracey Malone launches Lubatti at Space NKTracey Malone (sister of Jo) has launched a timeless skincare collection called Lubatti at Space NK. The exclusive range was inspired and developed using the secret recipes of Madame Lubatti, which date back as far as the late 1920s. For more than 20 years, Tracey Malone has used these recipes on her own celebrity and society client list. The collection consists of 17 feminine and beautifully presented products that use hydrating and skin-softening ingredients (hyaluronic acid, damask rose water, natural honey, avocado oil, jojoba oil and shea butter) and powerful anti-oxidants (green tea extract, vitamin E and evening primrose oil). The range: The White Cleansing Cream - Almond & Vitamin E is a gentle cleanser enriched with Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E. The Clear Skin Tonic - Rose is delicately scented with Damask Rose Water. Gorgeous Day Moisturiser – Orange & Jojoba is a light yet deeply hydrating moisturiser enriched with Orange and Jojoba Oil. Gorgeous Day Moisturiser – Honey & Almond is an intensive yet gentle moisturiser and the perfect ‘pick me up’ for tired, dry skin. Dreamy Night Cream – Mango & Avocado is a luxurious and comforting cream to hydrate your skin at night. There are also body lotions and bath oils available in Tuberose & Mimosa, Wild Violet, Bergamot & Grapefruit and the delicate Scented Rose. We love the Sparkling Eye Gel infused with Aloe Vera & Green Tea Extract which has anti-inflammatory properties will also help to calm redness and reduce puffiness. The Lubatti Collection will be available at Space NK and through www.lubatti.com. Brighten up your day with Elemis's 'Essential Beauty Secrets’ in aid of Breast Cancer CareBreast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed Cancer in the UK and this October Elemis is delighted to be supporting Breast Cancer Care with a donation to the registered charity. Elemis has created a limited edition collection called ‘Essential Beauty Secrets’ to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, (RRP £50, saving over £75). Presented in a fuchsia pink cosmetic bag, the collection contains four award-winning Elemis products, including the Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust ‘boob tube’. The kit includes a 5 Step Breast Check guide to make sure you regularly monitor yourself for any abnormal changes. The four Elemis products contained in this collection are… Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust 15ml (in the exclusive pink Elemis boob tube) Noella Gabriel, Director of Product & Treatment Development at Elemis says: “We wanted to create this exclusive and affordable collection to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer Care nationally. At the same time, we are giving ladies the feel-good-factor of these great products, in a stunning pink cosmetics bag. We hope the ‘boob tube’ is a reminder to do the 5 step check regularly.” Elemis Essential Beauty Secrets (RRP £50) is available to buy from timetospa.co.uk, selected salons, spas and department stores. For stockists, mail order & enquiries call the Elemis Customer Care Centre on Mary Portas launches V Day: get volunteering!Mary Portas spent most of the summer challenging us to think about how we use and donate to charity shops. Now she wants us to think about giving up a bit of our time to work there ourselves. On Friday 9th October, she’s launching her very first V Day. V Day is about volunteering in a completely new way; on your own terms. No more long term commitments. Drop in for a half day, a few days, a week. “I see volunteering as being a bit like a relationship. You wouldn’t expect long-term commitment on the first date. V Day is a flirtation with volunteering, before deciding if you want to come back for more.” – says Mary. V Day is being filmed as part of a Mary Queen of Charity Shops Revisit programme for BBC2. In the last series, Mary (BBC2, June ’09) successfully overhauled the look and feel of charity stores around the country. Now Mary’s turning her attention to the remaining challenge – getting more people, of all ages and backgrounds, to volunteer. “Working with charity shops is the best thing I’ve ever done. It really does make a difference to people’s lives," says Mary. The first V Day will be held on Friday 9th October 2009 in 20 charity shops around London. It is jointly coordinated by Mary Portas, Help The Aged, Age Concern, Mind, North London Hospice, Save The Children, Sue Ryder Care and The National Association of Charity Shops. To volunteer go to www.charityshopvday.org and find out more.  September 30 Top discount on Maybelline's new vibrating mascaraMaybelline have launched their first ever vibrating mascara, Pulse Perfection, and we are offering readers the chance to get a £1.50 discount. Print your voucher here! Packed with lengthening agents which are pulsed to their fullest extent as the mascara is applied, Pulse Perfection is designed to give longer looking lashes. Caring oils and intense pigments also restore lustre, to promote a shiny lash appearance. Says Maybelline: "Standard manual application of normal mascaras requires several passages of the brush to work out any clumps that might have been formed; our vibrating brush uses its horizontal micro-movements to even out the formula as it pulsates its way through lashes. Making the final lash-look clump-free. Fiona Jolly, Maybelline New York’s Celebrity Make-Up Artist, agrees: “It’s great for really covering the base of the lashes and helps to create a superb thickness and definition to your lashes. The mascara does all the hard work for you with amazing results.” Get your discount voucher now!  September 29 Istylista.comA classy clothes site that dresses you according to your body shape? Lovely.
They say: "The online stylist site that offers women the opportunity to shop for the latest designer must-haves with the confidence and convenience that comes with having a personal stylist.
"The free service enables members to create their very own ‘Style File’ -according to body shape and proportions, hair and skin tone as well as occasion and budget – ensuring that only the most suitable pieces are selected for their purchase.
"This October sees iStylista launch their ‘I Want This’ feature enabling members to forward their items of choice onto their loved ones this Christmas."
Check out the new Brylcreem boy!Kevin Pietersen has taken on the role - the first man to do so since David Beckham 10 years ago. Doesn't he look lovely!
Says Kevin: “It’s a real honour to be asked to be the next Brylcreem Boy – just look at the roll-call of names. Those are pretty big shoes to fill, but I’m eager to bring my own individual style and personality to the table.” September 22 Beautiful fold-away ballet shoesLadies, we’ve all been there: bought a gorgeously sexy pair of knock-em-dead high heels to strut our stuff in, only to find ourselves in agony at the end of the night, needing to be carried home courtesy of a cab.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! A small boutique business called CocoRose has come up with the (frankly) ingenious idea of creating pretty foldable ballet shoes that fit into a tiny bag, which you can then pop into your handbag. So if you want to wear heels to the office, give your feet a break by wearing these fold-away flats on the way into work, or pop them on under your desk if your tootsies are feeling the strain. If you fancy a night out on the tiles in stilettos, then fold-away flats are an absolute must. They’re also great for driving in, rather than your six-inchers, if you’re headed out to dinner. I took them to a party the other night and it was bliss slipping them on for the journey home. CocoRose was founded by Janan Leo after finding herself (yet again) carrying her heels to the nearest taxi rank at the end of a party. Fast forward two years and CocoRose now has four new collections launching every year, featuring five new designs. The shoes all have satin or leather uppers and leather soles, and come in pretty colours with matching bags. Check them out at cocoroselondon.com. September 17 John Lewis launches designer department onlineJohn Lewis has launched a brand new online fashion department, featuring more than 200 fashion and beauty brands. Savvy shoppers can now find labels such as Lulu Guinness, Steve Madden, Belstaff, Lofli jeans, Hudson Jeans, Elie Tahari, Mulberry, Avoca, Ralph Lauren, Orla Kiely, Paul & Joe Sister, Nicole Farhi and Paul Costelloe at johnlewis.com. Former Marie Claire editor Marie O'Riordan, Editor-in-Chief of John Lewis's Edition magazine, will be offering seasonal trend guidance to shoppers. And glossy magazine-style pages, with regularly changing fashion guides will help you put outfits together as you browse. ‘Brand Boutiques’ will also showcase virtual shop windows, carrying the in-store experience through to the website. Approximately sixteen brand boutiques will launch this autumn including Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Orla Kiely, with new brands joining every month. Check out www.johnlewis.com to find out more.    London Fashion Weekend: huge discounts at Seven DialsWith London Fashion Week moving to a new home this September, nearby Seven Dials is offering shoppers a *20% discount at participating retailers from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th September. A relaxed yet vibrant urban shopping village nestled between Covent Garden and Soho, Seven Dials is far removed from the hell of the high street and is the perfect place to stock up on key pieces and accessories for the Autumn ahead. Participating Seven Dials retailers offering *20% off include: Adee Phelan Salons, All Saints, American Apparel, Benefit, Carhartt, Coco de Mer, Fenchurch, Firetrap, Freddy, Gary Holder Jewellery, IMSO, Jelly Pong Pong, Karine Jackson, Laura Lee, M Butterfly, Miller Harris, Miss Sixty, MIMCO, Mint, Miss LaLa’s Boudoir, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Orla Kiely, Pauline Burrows, Pepe Jeans, Rio Beach, Rouge Make-Up School, Screenface, Space NK, The Dover Bookshop, Tomcat Leather, Volcom and Unconditional+. If you have worked up an appetite from all the shopping, nearby Opera Quarter (Covent Garden’s historic food quarter) will also be offering special fashionista menus for hungry shoppers at Boulevard, Café Rouge, Côte Bistro, Hi Sushi Izakaya, Le Café du Jardin and Sophie's Steakhouse. There is also a *20% discount on tasty treats from retro sweet shop Hope & Greenwood, The Primrose Bakery and tea bar Bou Tea. The uber chic Covent Garden Hotel on Monmouth Street will be celebrating all things fashion with a special showing of The Devil Wears Prada on Saturday 26th September in their private cinema, as part of their Movie Club two-course dinner package. Seven Dials stores will be opening longer for this exciting shopping weekend – Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8pm and Sunday until 6pm. For terms and conditions and further information on advance registration for the voucher, log onto www.sevendials.co.uk/londonfashionweekend. Alternatively you can register in person on Saturday 26th (11-7pm) and Sunday 27th (11-6pm) September at 55 Neal Street, WC2H. Get a taste of what lies in-store in Seven Dials by watching a short video on the Seven Dials website.
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