Mod Box at TK Maxx is geared towards the younger market and its aim is to keep ahead with the latest must have styles. They have worked out a fast paced fashion calendar of trends from all over the world to keep their stock fresh and ever changing which will keep the most ardent of fashionistas happy and coming back for more
So what does Sept hold for the latest trends at Mod Box?
Continuing on from August in to September will be the Big Chill trend concentrating on winter woollies in retro Fair Isle prints, jewel tones and warm browns. The knitwear range will include sweater dresses, cardigans, waistcoats, jackets and leggings. It’s all about layering and textures.
New for September will be the Neo Rocker in blacks and greys embellished with studs and diamantes.
We see body con dresses, leggings, and gothic tees, plus fake fur jackets such as the leopard printed bomber jacket. The look is rock chick meets grunge girl and the inspiration was taken from the Taylor Momsen Gossip Girl look.
Both September and October brings the Vintage Boudoir with feminine sheer fabrics and lace teamed with bustier tops bringing the underwear as outerwear trend alive. Here we see blacks, greys and nudes.
Dresses range from lace covered body cons to short chiffon floaty skirts – mostly bandeau style.
Match with faux fur leopard print long jacket.
And all at the store that brings us designer and high street brands at up to 60% less than the recommended retail price- Have fun shopping!
This new overnight treatment cream is the latest addition to Emma Hardie’s Amazing Face range and is designed to alleviate the signs of a dull, lifeless and ageing complexion. But you young things out there don’t dismiss it because if you want to help slow down the aging process it is always a good idea to start using it sooner rather than later. Emma states her products are designed for ages from late 20’s and over.
The cream comes in a generous size pot (100ml) as it is not only for the face but also the neck and décolleté (areas we sometimes forget to look after). The cream’s delicate fragrance is of geranium and rose essential oils giving a calming and soothing effect.
Other main ingredients are:
Colloidal Platinum.
Who would have thought platinum was not just a pretty face? Apparently in a nano particle size it also can help those must have collagen stimulating peptides we love, to be absorbed more efficiently and deeper in to the skin. The peptides cling to the platinum (and who wouldn’t?) which somehow increases the bio-availability of the peptides to the collagen producing cells. Result: the effectiveness of skin firming collagen production is increased by a whopping 250%.
Sahelian algae extract
This alga is not found in the usual marine areas but in soil crusts near the Sahara desert and is naturally super charged with bio-photon energy which helps to increase the energy level in cells. Result: Stimulates cellular function and repair.
Melissa extract
A plant extract of the mint family (although smells of lemon) which contains powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Result: Helps calm redness and sensitivity
Pumpkin enzymes
Known for their exfoliation properties, these enzymes polish and lift away dead cells whilst minimising the pore size. Result: Improvement in the softness and light reflective qualities of the skin.
Grapefruit, Bearberry, liquorice and mulberry extracts help brighten and promote cell renewal.
Pomegranate seeds and vitamin E oil help to increase hydration
Inca Inchi oil and Echium which are extremely rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 help to rejuvenate and revitalise the skin,
Maca Root helps reduce wrinkles and improves skin radiance.
The cream also comes with instructions on a mini facial workout. Emma, known for her unique non-invasive Natural Lift and Sculpting Facials believes using her techniques in conjunction with her Amazing Face products will visibly improve the skins elasticity and firmness leaving it supple, radiant and lifted.
And meeting her in person, I would say it is working.
The cream costs £56 and will be available exclusively from Sept at Space NK Apothecary and online from www.emmahardie.com
And if you are interesting in learning more on Emma’s facials and her Face Facts Workshops, check out her website.
Calvin Klein Beauty is said to encapsulate the spirit of the woman who is beautiful from the inside out.
Heart notes: Jasmine
Top notes : Ambrette seeds
Base notes : Cedar wood
Overall Scent : Floral
The design of the bottle also symbolises the woman who uses the fragrance: the curvy shape is feminine,the weighty glass base shows she’s grounded,the metallic silver ring encircling the glass is symbolic of her strength and the golden liquid of her luminoustiy.
At the moment www.theperfumeshop.com is offering a Free Calvin Klein weekend bag with purchases of Calvin Klein fragrance over £30 excluding gift sets.
Guilty, the new fragrance by Gucci,is designed for the young, modern minded woman
The scent is oriental floral with peach being the dominant note and also the actual colouring.
The initial top notes are of mandarin and pink pepper.
Then the peach with lilac and geranium come to the front as the heart notes followed by the heavier amber and patchouli as the base notes.
The packaging is stylish but subdued in black with the interlocking GG logo in gold. Maybe it’s deliberate in order to hide the Guilty bottle which is anything but subdued encased in its shiny rose gold coloured metal.
This new Gucci fragrance will be available on www.theperfumeshop.com as from 25 Aug.
A look which is always on trend is the flawless skin i.e. no dark circles and blemishes.
You may be able to airbrush your photos but in real life you have to rely on healthy living and lots of sleep.
And if that doesn’t work or it is just not an option for your busy lifestyle, then opt for a concealer.
Mally has come up with the combination of a concealer to cover the dark circles under the eyes and an eye light setting powder which brushed over the concealer ensure it lasts all day long.
And why just stop there? - it's good to use on the area between the inside eye corner and nose if you suffer from shadows here, and the brush included with the set makes it easy to apply.
Apparently it’ll also keep on when swimming and won’t melt in hot climates - but must admit haven't been swimming or visited any hot climates recently so will leave it to you readers to let me know if it works. I could ask my avid swimmer friend to try it out but then I might not get it back so that's not going to happen.
The setting powder does appear to brighten the under eye area which is a big plus.
Shades are fair, light to medium, rich and tan. Included is a leaflet to show you how to apply both products and a few beauty tips.
Loving the packaging – it comes in a light dusty pink suedette travel pouch with a double ended brush and 2 pockets. The eye light setting powder is in a silver compact and the concealer in a pink compact (both with inside mirrors) – all very girlie and cute.
Mally Cancellation Concealer System is available from QVC on www.qvcuk.com and at the time of print was £28.25
To celebrate 10 years at the top of the luxury perfume industry, Clive Christian has just released a new perfume creation named ’C’ from his private collection, the first since 1999.
The perfume concentrate is presented in an amber bottle to pay tribute to the origins of the Crown Perfumery where all perfumes created under Queen Victoria’s royal crown were coloured amber or green.
Also in keeping with tradition, ‘C’ has matching perfumes for men and women (as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert often requested).
'C’ For Women is described as voluptuous and flirty with Rose and Jasmine blended with the sweet flirty scent of Violet and the more heady fragrance of Tuberose in the heart of the perfume. 3600 pounds of blossoms is required to produce one pound of the absolute tuberose oil, making this one of the most expensive and luxurious perfume ingredients in the world.
‘C’ For Men is described as dominant and seductive with Saffron at the heart and the known aphrodisiac and extremely rare Snow Lotus. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and it takes up to 250,000 saffron crocus flowers to create one pound of this spice.
Famous for creating the world’s most expensive perfume (aptly named No 1) in 1999, you will be pleased to know ‘C’ is to retail at the more attainable price of £195 for a 50ml bottle, and will be available at Fortnum & Mason and The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods.
Other Clive Christian fragrances are available on Amazon:
For this AW 2010 La Perla have condensed their 19 brands down to 3 main brands
The mainline classic.
This collection is all about capturing the seduction and mystery of the Hollywood Film Noir movies.
Colours are black, blue, nude, blueberry and Indian red.
There are four looks:
Black Dahlia (inspired by the film) veiled in embroidered tulle. The nude colour creates a tattoo effect on the skin.
Noir Effect uses patterned Leavers lace trimmed with satin to mimic whalebone and retro corsetry.
Masculine/Feminine is a mix of masculine silk georgette with feminine hems in black Leavers lace.
Body Soul plays on the sheer effects of total black tulle.
La Perla Studio
Aimed at the younger market and lower in price, this collection is more contemporary.
Colours are black, natural, powder pink, purple and red.
The lace pattern is updated from a floral to a geometric theme.
The four looks are:
Graphic Mood sees tulle fabric cut and designed to create a whalebone graphic pattern.
Home-Trendy-Home has a casual approach to homewear with loose openwork woollen lace pieces and a cosy lapin shrug and waistcoat.
Sauvage Town cuts a cute sassy look in leopard print tulle edged with a narrow floral lace hem.
Silver Lurex reflects light in the grosgrain effect soft jersey pieces with its silver Lurex stripes.
Villa Toscana
Marketed for the mature lady, this collection is inspired by the elegance, natural beauty and romanticism of the old Tuscan manor houses, mixing casual and comfort with femininity.
Colours come in ivory, nude, wisteria, plum, brown and sky blue.
The four looks are;
Romantic Ajour where stretched tulle is enhanced by the retro touch of ajour openwork.
Tapestry Flowers show a faded flower print on jersey with satin edging and inspired by antique tapestries.
Jewelled Neckline focus on large lace collars, ribbon hems, pleated tulle inserts and macramé trimmings
Precious Relaxing Moments bring elegance to homewear in soft fleece and chenille with top stitching, pleated borders and the faux fur trim.
So what ever your age, there's no excuse not to look sexy in your undies.
Soft focus Smokey eyes are going to be a big trend this autumn/winter – a hard look to perfect without looking as though you’ve just lost a boxing match to Amir Khan.
So how do you ensure you get the romantic Goth look without actually looking like the walking dead?
Answer: Obtain Mally’s Smokey eye kit.
Plum Chelsea
Mally not only gives you shades such as Plum Chelsea, Khaki Khaki and Tribeca Taupe which are not as harsh as black and more complimentary, but she also provides a little leaflet giving step by step instructions ( with illustrations) on how to apply the shades to get that soft sultry smokey look.
Khaki Khaki
The palette includes a cream base to set the eye shadows, keeping the look in place all night, and 3 shades: the lightest to be applied all over the lid up to the brow, the medium on the lid just past the crease of your eye and then the darkest on the lash line top and bottom.
Also included is a soft pencil liner in black (you sometimes have to have a bit of black) to add to the top near your lash line.
Tribeca Taupe
This kit isn’t designed to put in your handbag as a bit too big and heavy with no brushes included, however the cream base ensures you don’t have to touch it up anyway.
The large mirror inside the lid is a great size and frees you from having to use your bathroom or bedroom mirror, so you can apply your make up where ever the best lighting is - Mine is on my bathroom window sill.
Mally Citychick can be bought online on www.qvcuk.com
Not only is this serum the answer to your cracked lips prayers, but it is also organic.
This Australian company does not use any sulphates, parabens, propylene glycol, artificial fragrances or colours in their products. They are also petroleum and mineral oil free which although provide a great barrier for the lip from the cold, they do not moisturise.
Shizen’s serum is made with all natural ingredients, which include lots of oils to keep your lips deeply hydrated: sweet almond pure oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, orange essential oil, lime essential oil and lemon myrtle essential oil.
Just dab a little on to your lips before applying lip balm or lipstick.
You definitely just need a tiny amount and will still have enough to rub in to your cuticles (apparently also good for them too). Having suffered from dry lips for a long time and become dependent on lipsticks and lip balms to keep my lips moist (or so I thought), this serum really made a difference. The effect was not immediate, it was a case of one day I realised I wasn’t reapplying lipstick every 5 minutes because my lips felt dry.
Due to the tiny amount you need to apply, this should last you for ages.
Holly Fulton's inspiration for the A/W 2010 season style came from the cinema du look of the 80’s: relaxed French clothing meets Dr Zhivago.
And the colour palette from the glass artist Louis Barillet’s use of black, white & grey.
Bold splashes of orange and yellow are seen along with a bright blue.
Bold graphic prints with a touch of art deco are complimented with Holly’s equally bold patterned jewellery and large clutch bags.
This make-up primer initially just came in one tint - bronze , to give a touch of that sun-kissed glow.
But now luckily for the typical English Rose complexion where even a hint of bronze wouldn’t look good, it now comes in the lighter shade of champagne.
The champagne is practically colourless, but like the bronze it does give a shimmer underneath your foundation for that radiant complexion.
Frumpy to funky tip:
Foundation is easier to smooth on your face if you apply straight after the spackle, but you may find the effect too shiny and may need to apply face powder to blot the shine.
However if you wait a few minutes before applying your foundation the effect is less dewy and no face powder is needed.
Good value for money and will last a long time as comes in a 59ml bottle.
The A/W collection sees the sexy Marilyn ballet pumps in styles of :
black suede tutu;
purple , pink or red suede ruffle;
hand sewn jewels on black or beige suede
and pewter sequins
– all a great alternative to the evening high heels (and flats are on trend for the Autumn).
Not to be outshone, the Rosario pump comes in a disco glitter ball and a gold painted snake style.
Other fun styles for the Rosario are:
the red and black poker design;
the pewter chessboard;
the black & white tears and laughter masks
and the red and gold lock and key design.
Loving the more girly Grace selections: the recycled parachute pumps with floppy bows in pink, yellow, purple, lime green, red or blue and the floppy flower pumps in grey, teal, pink, red or purple.
Titled “Cleopatra Chic” Olcay Gulsen’s inspiration came from the image conscious Queen of Ancient Egypt and plays on female dominance.
Main colour palette is neutrals and autumnal shades with some outfits in block colours of black and dark red.
Prints give either a romantic feel with large roses in soft golden shades on floaty fabric or an exotic look with animal prints in snakeskin and zebra.
Jersey mini dresses are worn along chunky cable knits with fringe details.
Layering is key with fluid fabrics, leather, knits and simple jersey pieces.
Mod Box, TK maxx's new fashion department is where you’ll find brands with attitude and the key trends of the month.
Mod Box is geared towards the younger market and its aim is to keep ahead with the latest must have styles. They have worked out a fast paced fashion calendar of trends from all over the world to keep their stock fresh and ever changing which will keep the most ardent of fashionistas happy and coming back for more.
So for the month of August you'll find the following trends in Mod Boxx:
VARSITY - carrying from July, you'll find lots of pleated checked miniskirts and preppy cardigans/ jumpers teamed with knee high socks and crisp white blouses. This preppy style comes with matching low preppy student prices.
MILITARY - army greens, khaki, airforce blues, blacks and greys. There will embellishments galore with shoulder epaulettes, double breasted brass buttons and braiding. The aviator jacket will make an appearance, flying high in the hottest trend stakes but with an extremely low price flying under the radar at £29.99.
BIG CHILL - winter woollies in retro Fair Isle prints, jewel tones and warm browns. The knitwear range will include sweater dresses, cardigans, waistcoats, jackets and leggings. It’s all about layering. This trend will also carry on in to September so you can stock up for the winter months.
You can find these online or in the new London flagship store 120 Charing Cross Road. Happy shopping.
