OPI AND NICKI MINAJ

One of our favourite nail polish brands OPI have collaborated with Nicki Minaj to create a collection of six new limited edition nail varnishes. The varnishes are inspired by Nicki's weird and wild outfits and feature three bold colours, two glitter shades and a purple which shatters on the nail.

With names like Super Bass Shatter and Pink Friday they're perfect for creating party nails! Available in 2012.

www.opi.com

HAIR CUT 100: SASSOON

With a host of festive parties to attend we thought we'd go all out and get the mop not only cut but also coloured - living life on the edge! Our choice for such an experiment was the Sassoon salon located in the heart of Mayfair on South Molton Street.

Inside the salon the atmosphere is just as bustling as the shopping streets outside. The decor is clean, modern and white with a huge selection of staff on hand to make sure you have a drink, something to read and are sitting comfortably. Neville was our colourist for the afternoon and we decided on a vegetable rinse two shades darker than our natural colour with purple tones. Scissor wise we were with Ida who has been at Sassoon for 12 years, so knows her stuff and after a full consultation we were happy to put our hair in her hands.

With the die washed out and a treatment applied the cutting commenced. Blow dry, straighteners, more snipping and we were left with a shiny, silky new 'do with a rich colour and thick bangs. The highlight of the cut has to be the experienced staff who know exactly what they are talking about and actually listen to what you want so you're guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.

Sassoon is the perfect salon to visit if you need a new do - it's electric atmosphere will have you geared up and ready to party in no time!

Priced from £68
60 South Molton Street, W1K
https://sassoon.com

FABULOUS FACIAL: ELEMIS

Elemis products have been on our radar of late following a recent trip to Jordan, during which we stayed at the Intercontinental who use the products in the rooms. This was the first time we'd used Elemis and we were so impressed we thought we'd try out one of the facials.

The flagship Elemis salon is located in Mayfair just of Bond Street in a quaint little alley which feels a million miles away from the crowded shopping areas just around the corner. We opted for the Modern Skin Facial which is aimed at women who are finding their skin challenging because of modern day stresses, poor diet and pollution. That would be us then!

Inside the salon feels quite small and very personal and the treatment rooms are modern and inviting. First up the facial starts with a foot cleanse - this is the measure of good treatments in our eyes and works wonders on relaxing the whole body. After the foot cleanse it's on to the face where the cleansing, toning and exfoliating takes place.

Two masks are applied and whilst they set the therapist gets round to massaging the shoulders and neck before moving on to a full scalp massage.....HEAVEN!! A whole host of other products from serums to moisturisers are lathered on our face throughout the treatment and we were so relaxed we had a little doze.

After the facial the therapist recommended a skincare routine and we were left with plump, bright, clearer skin. All in all one of the best facials we've had and one we'd definitely recommend. Oh and they do vouchers...just saying!

Modern Facial costs £92
Elemis day-spa, 2-3 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, W1S
www.elemis.com

PRIVE HAIR PRODUCTS

We're always on the look out for amazing products, new or old we'll try 'em and if we like 'em we'll tell you all about them. The last couple of weeks we've been trying Privé's Reparative Shampoo and Conditioner and we're happy to report its transformed our locks into a smooth, manageable mop.

The products are ideal for dry hair but unlike some conditioning products they don't leave any grease behind or weigh the hair down. Yes it's fair to say we've converts and Prive's products now have pride of place on our bathroom shelf.

Available from Urban Retreat in Harrods or online. Prices start from £3.95 for a travel size bottle or £19.20 for 500ml.

www.urbanretreat.co.uk

SPRING/SUMMER 2012: T BY ALEXANDER WANG

The new collection of T By Alexander Wang is in stores now and it's looking hot, hot heat! Brighten up your winter wardrobe with these zesty colours. Prices start from just £70.

Our favourite pieces are the Marled Ruched Skirt, Hooden Poncho and Marled Drape Back Tank Dress - we're all about the zest baby! Go wild and scrap the black this winter...

LUST: J BRAND BOA

We love a pair of J Brand jeans and these Black Shiny Boa Skinny Jeans are no different. Like all J Brand jeans they have an uber sexy fit and the snakeskin look will carry you over to next season.

Available now on my-wardrobe £290.

EAST END THRIFT STORE PARTY!

It's time once again for the East End Thrift Store Party. If you're looking for a new Vintage dress or fur coat head on down this Thursday 15th December, and as a special treat the first 50 customers will recieve £5 gift voucher...Vintage has never looked so good! But that's not all, as usual there will be a DJ spinning tunes and FREE BEER AND VINO. Go, get drunk, buy that outfit and possibly regret it in the morning - it's part of the fun!

Thursday 15th December, 7pm - 10pm
East End Thrift Store, Assembly Passage, E
www.theeastendthriftstore.com
 

STORM IN A TEACUP

Storm In A Teacup is a joint venture between Jo Miller and Claudia Raba. Located on Kingsland Road in the middle of Dalston and Shoreditch, the vintage & designer boutique opened back in July 2011. It's a quirky little place, an old Georgian shop that has been stripped right down then redesigned with elements of the owners personalities embedded into the fabrications of the shop.

Inside the store is a huge archive of rare vintage & designer pieces from the Victorian era to the present day. There is a wonderful selection of pieces from designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Azzedine Alaia, Chanel, Gianni Versace and Comme des Garcons. The highlight is a sweetie counter made from  reclaimed 150 year old french oak sleepers, where you can buy handmade sweets from a by gone era, everything from humbugs to fizzy cola bottles & Belgian chocolates...tasty!

We caught up with Jo for a quick chat to talk clothes, shops and London.

US: You have quite the collection of clothes, where do you find your vintage stock?

JO: We have been sourcing our stock for many years from all over the world and will continue to do so. We have also started taking on special pieces to sell on consignment.

US: A slightly difficult question but if we were to buy one piece from SIATC what would it be?

JO: So hard, there are too many to choose from! I think I would recommend the Martin Margiela sheepskin knee length boots, perfect for the winter!

US: Well it is Winter...so what do you do outside of work? Where do you like to hang out?

JO: We hang out fairly locally, as a rule, the Haggerston up the road is always a safe bet for a quick pint or maybe the Scolt Head, slightly off the beaten track.

Short and sweet, we like! If you are looking for rare Vintage pieces, designer frocks or even a cola bottle or two you know where it's at....

Storm In A Teacup, 366 Kingsland Road, E8
www.storminateacuplondon.com

SAMPLE SALE: PETER JENSEN

What's this another sample sale? Sure is! London based Peter Jensen is known for his quirky designs. Think loud blouses, colourful dresses, embroidery and bias cuts. Seriously cute clothes, great for al fresco lunches with the girlies. With up to 50% off, it's definitely worth a visit.

Fri 9st Dec 6-9pm, Sat 10th April 10am-6pm,
Look East Studios, 18-24 Shacklewell Ln, E8
www.peterjensen.co.uk

SAMPLE SALE: TOPSHOP AND TOPMAN

Never one to be out done Phillip Green is getting in on the sample sale act this weekend, and what's more it's a sample sale with a twist! The Topman and Topshop sample sales won't be held in a warehouse, nor in an office or hotel they will instead be held in real life market locations.

Head along to Broadway Market on Saturday and fight amongst the other fashionistas to score mammoth bargains. Sunday's sale will be held at the up and coming Chatsworth Road market with all profits going to the market.

These sales don't come around that often so expect them to be busy. However with all of the food stalls nearby at least you won't go hungry!

Sat 10th Dec, 10am - 4pm
Broadway Market School Yard, E8

Sun 11th Dec, 11am - 4pm
Chatsworth Road Market, E5

SAMPLE SALE: NICHOLAS KING

Once a month you can usually find us drooling over the jewellery section in Liberty especially at the Nicholas King collection.

If like us you love his sparkly bracelets and beautifully decorated cuffs then you should visit his sample sale with prices starting at just £20. For one day only Nicholas will be selling of a host of goodies - the perfect accessories for your party frocks!

Thurs 8th Dec, 2pm - 9pm
Malmaison Hotel, 18-21 Chaterhouse Square, EC1M
www.nicholasking.co.uk

SAMPLE SALE: ELLE MACPHERSON

Get your sexy smalls from the Elle Macpherson sample sale today and save a bomb! We hit up the sale last night and found bargains galore with some new season pieces thrown in.

You will also find a selection of Stella Mccartney underwear and nightwear. Today is the last day and it finishes at 1pm so you need to be quick!

Bras £15 and panties £5/£10. The entrance is £2 which goes to the charity.

Thurs 8th Dec, 9am - 1pm
Bendon UK, Axtell House, 23-24 Warwick Street,W1B

SAMPLE SALE: CHRISTOPHER KANE

The sales just a keep on coming...

Fashionista favourite Christopher Kane is having a sample sale. If you fancy picking up some of his famous print Tees and dress at cut down prices then head on down. Trust us the real stuff is much better than those cheap imitations on the High Street.

The East London designer dresses a host of celebs including Alexa, Rihanna and Jamie Winstone.

Thursday 8th December, 1pm - 9pm
The Mercer Street Studios, 16 Mercer Street, WC2H

SAMPLE SALE: WOLFORD

We have a bit of a fetish for hot tights and no one has done them better this year than Wolford. Which is why we are delighted to have come across this super secret sample sale. Taking place at the Wolford HQ (above Adidas near Bond Street) the sale lasts one day only. Prices start at just a fiver... Bring it on baby!

Wed 7th Dec

www.wolford.com

SAMPLE SALE: PENGUIN

Here's one that is mainly for the boys, The Penguin Sample sale. Kicking off today 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.

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

Tues 6th Dec - Thurs 8th Dec, doors open at 8am (The early bird....)
60a Berners Street, W1T

SALON SPY: BLUE TIT

For a hair salon Blue Tit is about as trendy as it gets. Located in Dalston inside the interiors feature exposed brickwork, vintage chairs, artwork and a team of staff who are as cool as the surrounds. But this salon has both style and substance with experienced choppers who put simply, know what they are doing and do it well.

The vibe is laid back, the products are the snizzle, all natural (Davines in case you were wondering), our stylist Matt was friendly and happy to dish out the advice. After a quick consulation we were washed, chopped and shown how to blow dry our new do without the need to use straighteners too often.

Should you get thirsty the salon offers fruit smoothies, teas and coffees. A ladies chop costs £49 with men's slightly cheaper at £35. Sticking with the fashion'east'er theme, all is not as it seems and the salon also hosts gigs and events. Check out the facebook page for more info.

If you're after a chop this week the team are holding a charity day on Thursday 8th December where clients pay what they think the cut was worth and all profits go to Great Ormond Street Hospital. New 'do and helping others, sounds like a plan. Advance booking recommended!

7 Stoke Newington Rd, N16
www.bluetitlondon.com

SAMPLE SALE: TEMPERLEY

Get your pennies at the ready for Temperley London's sample sale this week. Expect big discounts on ready-to-wear collections including those famous dresses and accessories. Perfect for the party season.

Mon 5 Dec, 11 a.m.-7 p.m
Tues 6th Dec, 9am - 7pm
20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11
www.temperleylondon.com

CHARITY CHOPS...

In need of a haircut this month? Then why not have a charity chop! Head along to the ASK Academy of Seymour Place between 5th - 20th December and the lovely technicians and tutors will cut or colour your hair for a discounted price and that's not all - the money they do charge will be going to Shaping Futures, Schwarzkopf Professional’s very own social initiative. Working with the vulnerable youth living at the SOS Children’s Villages in India, Peru, Lativa and Morocco to give then a brighter future.

A cut and finish starts at £30 and a colour and cut costs just £58 - BARGAIN! New hairdo and donating to charity - looking great never felt so good!

To book your appointment or for more information please contact Charlotte Keohane at the ASK Academy on 020 7724 7931 or email Charlotte.Keohane@uk.henkel.com

74-78 Seymour Place, W1H

LONDON LOVES LA....

London Loves LA is an online store which sells one of vintage pieces "born out of sparkles and love". Everything on the site comes from LA thus the name. But now the online store is taking advantage of the pop-up trend and have created a physical shop on the trendy Redchurch Street which is open for just six days.

During those six days you'll find a host of vintage pieces, live music and general shenanigans. Head on down....

 

Tues 29th Nov - Sun 4th Dec

The Gallery, 50 Redchurch Street, E2

www.londonlovesla.com