Wednesday, 31 August 2011

SALON SPY: HAIR ORGANICS

Hair Organics located in Notting Hill is a hair salon offering organic colouring and treatments with natural products. Everything right down to the tea and towels that are used are environmentally friendly. The salon is owned by Terry Wilson who has been hairdressing for over 30 years.

Inside the staff are friendly and the decor is slick and modern. Londontheinside went along to try the new High Gloss Watercolour Treatment. The concept is a semi-permanent watercolour that contains absolutely no dye or colour pigments. However, unlike normal dyes the only activator used is water, meaning it is 100% free from harmful chemicals. The hair shaft is treated with the same conditioning effects that Hair Organics watercolours
provide, but without adding colour to it. Clever, we know!

Before the treatment was applied we were seated on an air massage chair and given a quick wash. Treatment applied we were seated under a heat lamp and given a cuppa - Dot Cotton would be proud! After doing our 30 minutes under the lamp we were washed, dryed and ready to go.

The results were amazing, our barnet was transformed into a glossy, shiny do and 3 weeks later we can still see the difference. Priced from £71.

Hair Organics, 3 Ladbroke Road, W11
www.hairorganics.co.uk

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

DR MARTENS POPS UP


Be transported back to the 1960s during the Dr. Martens pop up at Selfridges this September. A variety of screens will gain an insight into the original Dr. Martens factory, revealing the processes involved in making this piece of iconic British footwear.

Dr. Martens enthusiasts will be in shoe heaven as a number of collections - including the sought after Vintage and the new Made In England range for autumn/winter 2011 - will be displayed along with the key components that go into making the boots, expect an innovative display of metal eyelets and rubber soles!

Head to Dr. Martens at the men’s shoe department on the First Floor.

Sept 5th - Sept 20th
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A

CORINNE DAY THE FACE

Corinne Day’s daring and provocative images burst into collective consciousness through the pages of The Face magazine in the early 1990s. She was one of the first photographers to capture Kate Moss and is often credited as the founder of the Heroin Chic phaze. The images Day produced caused an international sensation, launched the careers of numerous models and identified Day as a photographer of unique talent.

Corinne died last August and on the anniversary of her death the exhibition "Corinne Day The Face"has been put together to celebrate her incredible work, and to give you the chance to view these iconic images as well as previously unseen personal images.

Running for just one month this is one show you shouldn't miss.

1st September 2011 - 1st October 2011
Gimpel Fils, 30 Davies Street W1K
www.gimpelfils.com

Friday, 26 August 2011

SALON SPY: INDIBA FACIAL

Last week LondONtheInside skipped along to Harley Street to meet A-List beauty therapist Belinda B for an Indiba Deep Beauty facial. The new anti ageing treatment is said to reduce wrinkle depth by up to 35% by using a radio frequency - it all sounded a bit high tech for us but we're willing to give anything a go once!

So in the beauty room a metal plate was placed under our back as Belinda explained the process and what results we could expect. Then like a fairy godmother she brought out a magic wand and turned on the hospital like machine. Cream applied to our faces she went to work with the roller ball which heated up as the facial progressed. The facial lasted 50 minutes and was completely pain free.

That night we followed Belinda’s instructions to drink one litre of water which would flush out our toxins. The next morning our skin felt tighter and looked noticeably brighter – lots of people commented on our complexion which is always a bonus!

The facial isn’t cheap and costs approx £110 for 50 minutes but the results speak for themselves. Day 5 and our skin is still plump and fresh.

For your nearest Indiba salon check out: www.indiba.co.uk (We'd recommend Belinda she knows her stuff alright!) Belinda B, 100 Harley St T: 020 84163939

Thursday, 25 August 2011

VINTAGE MARKET....

This Saturday sees the second Can’t Buy Me Love summer vintage jumble market take over the Boogaloo. Head along and rummage your way through stalls selling ladies and gentlemen’s vintage clothes, jumble, records, cult books, curios, bric-a-brac, homewears, accessories, cakes and oddities.

Located in the small courtyard with special micro beach (bag of sand), ice cold summer drinks and DJ’s spinning soul and rock & roll. We could think of worse days to spend your Saturday....

Saturday 27th August, 12pm - 5pm, free entry
The Boogaloo, 312 Archway Rd, N6
www.cant-buy-me-love.com

PRODUCT LOVE: REHAB





















These last two weeks we’ve being loving Rehab – the new product range not the check-in variety! Designed around the masculine healing qualities of Hawaiian water algae as well as the volcanic sands of Tahiti and Bamboo the products are packed full goodness to keep you looking sharp and feeling great. We hear Kasabian are fans and let’s face it we’d all like to look like Serge!

First off the design is brilliant, they look extremely cool dressed in black and the product itself is slick, quick and easy to use. We’ve tested everything, lock stock the f**king lot mate and we love ‘em. Scrub Up Daily Detox, cleans the muck of your face and prevents black heads and ingrowning hairs. Morning Glory, cracking name, is a daily moisturiser for normal skin types. No Shine, a moisturiser for those with a slightly greasy complexion; Calm Balm, the essential after shave tool kit and Revive Survive a ten minute miracle cream.

But the thing we like best about these products is the strong, fresh smell they leave on your dish. All under £15 a pop - Switch your brand immediately, you will not be disappointed! Get them here.

TATTY DEVINE AND THE DUKE SPIRIT...

Have you seen the new Tatty Devine Dukes Spirit range? Yes Tatty Divine have collaborated with the Duke Spirit to bring you a Ram necklace and charme named ‘Bruiser’ after the forthcoming Dukes Spirit album. The ram is photographically etched into gold mirror perspex. The effect looks like a positive or negative photograph in different lights.Check out Liela’s it’s only £25, if you want one go here


Monday, 22 August 2011

PRODUCT LOVE: I-PRIME

There are certain products we're always on the look out for and skin primer is one of them. CID I - prime is currently rocking our make up bags with its super silky texture, easy absorption and staying power. The primer should be applied after moisturiser and not only helps foundation stay in place it also fights ageing and gives the dullest complexion a boost.

£27 for 30ml. A little goes a long way!

www.newcidcosmetics.com

STYLE TALK: MEET ELIZABETH


Elizabeth Dunn is a London based shoe designer who graduated from the prestigious shoe college Cordwainers at the London College of Fashion. Lizzie is trained in producing handmade, one-off made to order shoes which can be purchased via her website. We caught up with the East London based designer to talk shoes, celebs and London life.

Us: So Lizzie tell us why you first moved to London and what you have been doing here?

Elizabeth: I have always waited to move to London since I was young it's the bright lights and big city that never sleeps. I moved here 4 years ago for university where I studied Footwear design at London College of Fashion Cordwainers and I have stayed here since graduating, launching my my own shoe label based in London.

Us: Excellent! We've been checking out your collections and we're please to see each pair is handmade and unique. Talking about unique we've heard that Lady Gaga is a big fan of your work?

Elizabeth: I have had some interest from Lady Gaga and her British styling team. Some of my creations have been requested for her next music video. I am going to make a personal one off pair of crazy shoes to give to her.

Us: When you not designing what do you do in your spare time? Any little hideouts or secret spots you can recommend?

Elizabeth: Most of my time is devoted to my label, if it's not production and designing its photoshoots and prep for London Fashion Week. I do give myself a little time to have fun, mainly on a Friday night you can see me out on the town, as for hideouts I can't deny I am loving good old Dalston.

Us: Where's your favorite place to eat? The one place you know you're guaranteed good grub.

Elizabeth: As for food in London I just absolutely love the Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road, my favorite is Loong Kee Cafe, I recommend the monk fish it's delish!

Us: Any good shops or markets you can tell us about that we should be checking out?

Elizabeth: Apart from the obvious markets in London I really love heading back up north for shopping especially for those little one off finds. Leeds and Manchester are greats for shopping and lots of fun.

If you like what you see check out Elizabeth's website to view her shoes and make an order. Just think you could be wearing her shoes before Lady Gaga - fashion icon? Moi??

www.ElizabethDunn.co.uk


Friday, 19 August 2011

MR NATTY'S BARBER SHOP





















Getting a hair cut? Would you like a slice of cake and cup of tea with that? That's what's on offer at Natty's Barbershop on Commercial Street housed in the Albam store in Spitalfields. Mr Natty is a master barber, groomer and hair extraordinaire- you can get anything from a wet shave and beard trim to a new hair style to wow Nathan Barley. While Mrs Natty will spoil you with homemade cake and tea. Maybe it's all a trick, the Demon Barber of Commercial Street? What exactly is in those cakes??

The barbershop will be open August 25th and September 8th with more dates coming soon. Expect to pay around £35 for a haircut, beard trim/wet shave, cake and tea. To book an appointment call 0207 247 6254.

111a Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1
www.albamclothing.com

Thursday, 18 August 2011

THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS....

If someone bought me this I'd dump them too!
There is no better way to get over the love of your life cheating on you with that bimbo from next door than by burning his prize possessions having a good clear out. But what happens to those old teddy bears, love song compilations and heart shaped ornaments? Where do they all go?

The Museum of Broken Relationships that's where. There you will find an exhibition of ordinary but poignant objects that each tell the story of a past relationship, donated by individuals all over the world.

The exhibition will span two venues, The Tristan Bates Theatre and a pop-up exhibition on 38 Earlham Street plus objects will also be featuring in windows of Tatty Devine, Coco de Mer and Urban Outfitters.

Throughout the three-week run, commissioned artists, theatre makers and performers will also be taking inspiration from the exhibition to create various art work, as well as a programme of performances including immersive theatre, writing workshops, dance and acting performances. A collection of these artistic expressions will be showcased on August 27th at the Seven Dials festival.

So if you fancy shedding one last tear for the one that got away visit the Museum of Broken Relationships between 15th August – 4th September.
Admission £3.50 and tickets will be valid for one week.
Tristan Bates Theatre 1A Tower St, Covent Garden WC2H
www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk

SAMPLE SALE: PLAYFUL PROMISES

Make it kinky not stinky this weekend with a trip to Playful Promise's lingerie sample sale. You'll find up to 80% off a host of labels including Playful Promises, Ayten Gasson, Kiss Me Deadly and more.

Expect silk draws, sexy suspenders and beautiful basques. Say hello boys!

Fri 19th Aug - Sat 20th, 11am - 7pm
Sun 21st Aug - Mon 22nd Aug noon - 6 pm
Playful Promises, 136 Bethnal Green Road, E2

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

LOVE MUSIC, LOVE FOOD.....

Love Music, Love Food is the ultimate cooking book for all you wanna be rock stars out there. The book combines portraits of musicians from all types of backgrounds with their favourite foods and a personal recipe. Over 60 musicians are featured including Noel Gallagher, Kasabian, Mani, Juliette Lewis and many more mainstream acts.

The book was created in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and whilst some of the recipes may just be common sense Paul Weller's latte and Noel Gallagher's cup of Yorkshire Tea there are also some more advanced ones such as The Kook's Arabian Lamb Skewers and Jo Wood's Rock'n'Roll Stew. If you want to know where you're favourite musos hang out then you're in luck as they all give their favourite restaurants in London - Golden Hind in Marylebone shows up more than a couple of times!

Even if you don't love food or cooking this book is a cool addition to any coffee table. The images which feature the musicians and different types of food are pretty special having being shot by renowned food photographer Patrice de Villiers.

Buy the book now for only £30 and help the cause.
www.lovemusiclovefood.org
www.teenagecancertrustshop.org


Tuesday, 16 August 2011

PAUL BOWER EXHIBITION...

Come And Get it! Is a collection of screen and block prints by south London based artist Paul Bower which will be exhibited at the Sanderson on the 17th August. His work features bold typography, illustrations and strong colour which you may find amusing and inspiring. The exhibition runs until the end of August from 6-8pm.

Its well worth a look, as is the trendy hotel.

17th Aug - 31st Aug
Come And Get It at the Art Space
Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1T

Sunday, 14 August 2011

HAIRCUT 100: MICHAEL JOHN

We knew Michael John was a classy joint when we jumped into the taxi and asked for the Royal Institution of Great Britian, the driver didn't know where it was but he did know where Michael John was located, which is literally over the road.

The salon has been around for 50 years although things have obviously changed over the years as inside the salon is modern and slick with a cloakroom complete with nanny attendent, juice bar, spa area and plenty if styling stations. We were booked in with the lovely Alex for a cut and blow dry and following a consultation we were treated to a wash with massaging chair and nourishing treatment.

Alex was friendly and informative whilst listening and giving advice on how to look after our mop. After plenty of chopping and combing it was time for us to try a juice, a simple orange juice but one of the best juices we've had in ages, even better than anywhere we've been for breakfast lately.

Hair blow dried we were left with a silky, shiny mop that literally stopped traffic - well it felt like it did! This is one salon that clearly know what they are doing and boy they are good at it! Check it out people.

Michael John, 25 Albemarle Street, W1S
www.michaeljohn.co.uk

Thursday, 11 August 2011

FILL A BAG JUMBLE SALE....

Team bagging optional
Roll up, Roll up this Saturday sees the return of the East End Thrift Store's Fill-a-Bag Jumble Sale. The sale kicks off at 11am and ends Sunday at 6pm so plenty of time for you to fill a bag or two.

The idea is simple you get a bag and you fill it full of vintage swag. The price you pay depends on the bag; £10 for a small one, £20 for a large one. In the words of Mr Dale Winton "You don't get anything for a pair", unless of course it's shoes, then you really DO need a pair!

So head on down people and fill your bag.

Saturday 13th August & Sundaay 14th August, 11am - 6pm
Unit 1a, Assembly Passage E1

PRODUCT LOVE: L`OCCITANE VERDON

With summer here it's time to change one's scent. Yes you heard me, renew that musk! L`Occitane is a new men’s fragrance named Verdon after the national park of the same name, and created with fresh, aquatic aromas associated with the running waters near Verdon cliffs, along with some mint and lemon tones thrown in.

We’ve been trying this out over the last few days and it’s pretty damn cool, perfect for the office or play time. You can pick this 50ml bottle up for £25.26 from QVC.

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

WAH NAILS AT TOPSHOP

WAH nails is popping up in Topshop Knightsbridge to celebrate the launch of the latest Topshop Make up collection Smoke and Mirrors. What's more they are offering free manicures for anyone who spends over £60 in store.

Head along and get your talons treated next week.

13th August - 19th August
Topshop Knightsbridge, 70 Brompton Road, SW1X

SAMPLE SALE: PENGUIN & FARAH

Here's one that is mainly for the boys, The Penguin Sample sale. Kicking off August 11th for two days you'll find up to 70% off clothing including those famous polo shirts worn by the likes of Alex Turner and Preston the one from Ordinary Boys who ruined himself by marrying Chantelle.

They will also be a selection of Farah’s 1920s Vintage Collection pieces on offer. Good news for the smaller boys as they come in slim fitting sizes.

These sales don't happen that often so worth dropping by.

Thursday 11th - Friday 12th, doors open at 8am (The early bird....)
The Music Rooms, 26 South Molton Lane, W1K

Tuesday, 9 August 2011

PRODUCT LOVE: DR BRONNER'S 18 IN 1

If you've ever been back packing you'll understand the importance of packing light and finding products which can be used for many different things. Dr Bronner's 18 in 1 liquid soap is the ideal solution, it can be used to clean clothes, hair, body, or face, made into a pest spray (the ultimate for hardened travellers), treat cuts and grazes and even used to brush your teeth!

We're not sure we'd want to actually brush our teeth with it but hey who knows - when there is no toothpaste and you've got a hottie in your bed you'll do anything for fresh breathe!

The soap comes in 8 different scents including: Citrus, Rose, Lavender, Peppermint, Almond, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Baby Mild. All Dr Bronner’s products are Fair Trade and organically sourced - so organic that even Gywenth Paltrow uses it.

Dr Bronner’s is available nationwide including Liberty, select Waitrose stores and leading health shops including Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic and Whole Foods.

To find your nearest stockist hit up: www.kinetic4health.co.uk



Friday, 5 August 2011

SAMPLE SALE: ACNE

This is one sample sale we are getting tres excited about! The Acne sample sale kicks off today for one day only with jeans from £20, dresses from £30, shoes from £50 and leathers from £200.

Go forth people!

Friday 5th August, 10am - 7pm
Flat 5, 81 Curtain Road, EC2A

Monday, 1 August 2011

PRODUCT LOVE: NELSONS

LondOntheInside got sent a pack of Nelson products that we knew nothing about but been the adventurers that we are, we delved straight in. The package consisted of Pure & Clean face wipes, blemish gel, moisturiser and facial wash with steps telling us what to use first.

The products are made with natural plant extracts and suitable for all skin types. They start from only £7 which is pretty damn reasonable. The Blemish Gel which you can use often as required contains extra strength tea tree and it works wonders on red blemishes. When used together we really noticed a difference in our skin and we're more than happy with the results.

If you fancy trying before you go buying then head along to Mayfair store this month and exchange your old products for a brand new face wash.

BALMAIN CAPSULE COLLECTION.....

When we heard back in May that Balmain was teaming up with SpA to launch a capsule collection we were just a tad bit excited. Well the first pieces have now come to light and it's looking good! Hitting the shops in Spring 2012 the collection is called Pierre Balmain and features a range for men and women. Check out the first press pics below, we've already got our eyes on that leather.........