Black is back part 2..

Final collection for my BA 'Black Riviera'..

Sula-paint and peel polish

Just when I think I'm on my way to becoming a real adult, the fashion world keeps pulling me back.
About that polish:you're going to love it when you try Sula Paint & Peel Polish ($9).
It was actually created by accident. Perfumer Susanne Langmuir(fragrance aficionados, you may be familiar with her perfume line) formulated it while trying to come up with a polish free of those smelly and hazardous chemicals. Upon removing the offending ingredients, the remaining concoction was a peel-off polish. 
Figuring "what-the-heck?," she launched it in four shades last summer. They sold out immediately. Luckily, she's announced that new on-trend shades will be rolled out twice yearly to keep up with the demand. I'm all about "Azure," a creamy blue-green hue that is an accessory in and of itself.
What I love about this polish (besides its ample brush) is that you don't have to make an event out of applying it. Simply slap it on your nails while on the phone or watching TV, no on standby liquid polish remover and emergency stockpile of cotton balls and Q-tips necessary. 
If you mess up? Just peel off and redo. (Make sure to let dry for 30 minutes, the time it takes to fully set.) 

Louis Vuitton Speedy Exhibition

To celebrate Selfridges 100^th Birthday, Louis Vuitton is launching an exhibition in the Concept Store for its iconic Speedy bag from Monday 1 June until Thursday 25 June.

The Speedy Concept Store will feature an insight into the history of the Speedy and the Louis Vuitton brand. Specialist techniques such as hot stamping and Mon Monogram will also be available to customers, where you can  personalise your purchases.

You will also find limited edition Speedy 35 Monogram Miroir bags in gold and silver, previously only available as a Speedy 30. These bags will be reintroduced from the Louis Vuitton archive for a short period, and will be sold exclusively through the Concept Store.

The Speedy Concept Store will incorporate an exhibition of Speedy bags, from Louis Vuitton’s long heritage. A complete cross section of Speedy bags will be on display, including collector’s items from the Louis Vuitton archives, such as the Takashi Murakami Cherry print bag, and the original Stephen Sprouse Speedy from 2001.

Chopard robbery in Place Vendome

PARIS (AFP) – Jewellery worth some six million euros (8.4 million dollars) was stolen in a hold-up Saturday at the elite Chopard store in Paris's Place Vendome, police said.The theft happened at around 3 pm (1300 GMT) at the premises near the Ritz Hotel, an official at the Paris police headquarters said, giving no details.Chopard makes watches and jewels for the stars and has branches in most of the world's capitals.In December thieves staged a record 100-million-dollar jewel heist at the Harry Winston boutique in the posh Avenue Montaigne of the Champs-Elysees.Suspicion fell on the international gang known as the Pink Panthers.

Chopard fragnance

Chopard launched its newest fragrance, Cascade, last night at Cannes' Eden Roc Hotel following the opening ceremony of the town's 62nd annual Film Festival. With the famous Festival Palace steps in mind, the fashion house (which has also presented a haute jewellery collection specifically for the event) has taken its own image of glamour and turned it into this intricate, oriental scent which features notes of the Belle de Nuit, pink pepper, grapefruit, mandarin and orchid. Exotic and feminine, without being overpowering, this is the perfect finish to red carpet dressing. From £45, available exclusively at Harrods from July 1

Michael Cors-High Shine

Get your legs catwalk ready with the help of the brand new Leg Shines from New York designer Michael Kors. The new roll on is great for popping down the shins to give them an irresistible sheen, across the shoulder blades for definition and toning. And, since the products have been infused with the Michael Kors fragrance, you will smell as alluring as you will look. Available in Classic, Shimmer or Bronze available nationwide. £22

Ray-Ban Clubmasters

 This season's hottest sunglasses shape is a new Ray-Ban style and they're already being seen on some of the A-list's biggest style makers - Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton and Henry Holland to name but a few. Like their optical predecessor, the Clubmasters comes in a range of hot summer hues including tomato red, bright green, on-trend azure and classic - but not dull - tortoiseshell. £120 from www.rayban.com.

Veronique Branquinho folds

Following fast on the bankruptcy of the Christian Lacroix brand, Belgian designer Veronique Branquinho has announced she will shutter her eponymous label for economic reasons. Branquinho's business relied on wholesalers which have been doing less buying during the recession. Vogue UK says that Branquinho's company, James NV has begun a court-appointed liquidation period and will clear out residual stock from the label's only standalone store in Antwerp. Branquinho still has plenty to keep her busy, she is the new artistic director of Belgian leather goods brand Delvaux and a professor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.

Love for Pucci

While we’re all thinking about the brilliance of Pucci under the design direction of Peter Dundas (whose debut collection was presented at the fall 2009 Milan shows), Yoox.com is focusing on what made Pucci so fabulous in the past. Starting June 4, the Web site will be selling a curated selection of normally hard-to-come-by vintage Pucci, all dating prior to 1992, the year of founder Emilio Pucci’s death. The highlight? Pretty much everything, though the bags and scarves have closet constants written all over them.

1960s orange, black, and blue printed velvet bag with chain strap, $850;yoox.com.
1960s fuchsia, gray, and pink printed velvet clutch, $750; yoox.com.
1973 vintage pucci scarf with large aeronautical print , $275; yoox.com.

To wear it or not to wear it..

It's true:Many of us were skeptical when designers sent jumpsuit and rompers down their spring runaways. Sure, they looked fun and effortless-but would chic women over the age of 25 actually wear them?When Vogue editors turned up for work in jumpsuits, the answer became clear. 'You just don;t have to think about them' says stylist Tabitha Simmons.

This fuchsia romber would be great with a little Balenciaga camisole underneath and a thin belt.Adam fuchsia Romber, $345. shopadam.com

Scarlett Johansson-The new face of Mango

Mega international retailer MANGO has tapped Scarlett Johansson as the new face of its fashion-forward brand. 

For the Fall/Winter campaign, Johansson will be following  the  footsteps of Penelope Cruz (her "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" co-star). Cruz has fronted the brand for the past four seasons and designed a limited-edition collection MNG by MANGO with her sister Monica.
MANGO calls Scarlett the perfect face for its brand, describing her as "embodying the ideal MANGO woman; chic, independent, and cosmopolitan. Johansson exudes a confident demeanor while remaining youthful and playful."

Lacroix goes bankrupt

The  French fashion house Christian Lacroix was looking for investors to shore up its business. Now the brand has filed for bankruptcy in the wake of an increasingly bleak financial picture. Lacroix, which is owned by duty free retailer the Falic Group and employs 125 people, has been hit hard by the faltering market for ultra-luxury goods like haute couture gowns. Lacroix chief executive Nicolas Topiol said the economic crisis had "considerably hurt our revenues," the London Times reports. Major retailers recently stopped buying new Lacroix merchandise and last month both Neiman Marcus and Saks reduced their orders for Lacroix apparel considerably. Sales of the Lacroix women's summer collection are down 35% this year; last year the company reported a $15 million loss.

Gold lace cuff by Aurelie Bidermann

Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Every piece in Aurelie Bidermann's  collection makes us swoon.

Aurelie Bidermann is definitely a designer to watch. Her pieces express her vibrant international experiences, translated through the discerning eye of a curator, and the result is sheer excellence.

Gucci madness..

Bags.. bags.. bags..

              Crocodile shoulder-strap handbag with metal GG detail
                                                  

                              Blue backpack with gold hardware 

                                                         

Accessory report

Chanel

                                                                            PVC lump

                                                        
                                                                          Essential bag

                 

Stiletto stick..

Hydrating heel balm..

Nothing ruins the look of a stylish summer sandal faster than dry, cracked heels. A few routine swipes with this moisturizing stick smooths,softens, and otherwise improves the appearance of abused soles without any greasy residue. Price $30 

Available at www.butterlondon.com

Monica Belluci's Paris apartment burglarized over the weekend

Her recent trip to Cannes may have proved costly for beautiful actress Monica Bellucci. While she was away at the film festival, an apartment in Paris belonging to her and her husband Vincent Cassel was broken into and the thieves took off with around $111, 000in jewelry as well as a couple of laptop computers and Bellucci's Italian passport.

Picture of the day..

Karl Lagerfeld might have been waving goodbye to the fun and frivolity of Cannes, but he took his sense of humor with him to Nice Airport. The Chanel Creative Director carried a "Karl Who?" printed bag as he went to catch his flight to Paris.

So stylish..

A quintet of resplendent golden rosettes adorn a clustered goldtone chain necklace. Tarnish-resistant.

Nicole Romano. Necklace $330

This stylish copper cuff is a good alternative to bangles and would look fabulous with a simple tee and denim shorts.

Missoni cuff.$290

Dior Bronze Gelée de Monoï Tan Activator

Summer is here..

Essential for both pre and post holiday prep, Dior's Bronze Gelée de Monoï Tan Activator is a gradual self-tanner, that will give skin a radiant glow before you hit the beach, and then prolong your tan once you're back on home soil. Not only a colour-booster, its innovative formula prepares skin for sun exposure, stimulating levels of naturally occurring melanin, for a longer-lasting tan.

Toy Watch summer collection..

The latest collection of must-have watches from cult phenomenon ToyWwatch are not only available in an array of chocking acid hues but offer a unique feature: simply choose your favourite dial and you are free to match it with soft silicone straps, perfectly adjustable to your wrist.

“The colour details and unique materials like silicone are already part of our DNA”, says Mara Poletti, President of ToyWatch. “For the Jelly Collection we wanted to play with acid colors, recreating a Chromotheraphy for accessories, a mix of contrasting colors ideal for the look of free-minded people who love to express themselves”.

Get colour contrasting this summer and leave everyone speechless!

Chanel London madness collection..

Chanel unveils a unique makeup collection, designed and created by Peter Philips, Chanel’s Global Creative Director of Chanel make up.

The collection was inspired by Peter’s love of London and has been expressed in the creation of the exclusive London Madness Palette. A bold interpretation of the Union Jack in ivory white, to catch the light and perfectly illuminate the face, brow bones, décolleté and gold and silver to create a discreet glow.

The London Madness collection is completed with the repromotion of Rouge Allure Enthusiast; a bright and fresh red shade, which is perfectly complemented by the limited edition Le Vernis, Enthusiast.

Crème de la Mer

Crème de la Mer’s new Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15 

Add the radiance of gemstones to your beauty ritual with The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15 – a mineral-rich new addition to the coveted Skincolor collection.

This luxurious, lightweight formula infuses your skin with Crème de la Mer’s transformational skincare benefits and creates a luminous, refined finish.

Cameron Diaz summer beauty secrets..

Have a look in the latest  issue of Vogue  (June '09 U.S). Chic in town already  gave you a sneak peek at Cameron Diaz's JuneVogue cover, the accompanying story and behind-the-scenes video (http://www.style.com/vogue/voguediaries/2009_June_Cameron_Diaz/) before the issue even hit stands. 

As if that weren't enough, now we have the secrets to achieving that sexy, easy glamour Diaz exudes in the pics from the makeup artist (and one of Diaz's BFFs) herself,Gucci Westman. 

And while it's so humble and down-to-earth for Cameron Diaz to say she doesn't think of herself as a sex symbol, we're pretty sure anyone who looks at the cover and inside images would beg to differ. She looks stunning!

Flora by Gucci

Inspired by Gucci’s iconic Flora pattern, this new feminine fragrance has top notes of fresh citrus and Peony to accompany scents of Rose and Osmanthus flower, with a sweet base of Sandalwood and Patchouli, giving it a sophisticated twist on a traditional floral fragrance.

To compliment the perfume, the Flora by Gucci range consists of a deodorant spray, body lotion and shower gel.

Go crazy..

New Season Bags by Givenchy

Building on the phenomenal success of the timeless classic The Hobo, Givenchy launches the Eclipse, an update for 2009 and certain future classic. Discover further new editions of Givenchy classics including the Melancholia and Saccas in the Accessories Hall,in Selfridges, Ground Floor, Oxford Street.

The Bling-Kini by Pistol Panties

Selfridges presents the £2,000 Anita Bling-Kini by Pistol Panties.

‘Anita’ is available exclusively at Selfridges Oxford Street. This limited edition swimwear gem is swathed in over 5,000 brightly coloured Swarovski Austrian crystals and costs a far from skimpy £100 per square centimetre. 

‘Anita’ boasts this season’s must-have cut out maillot silhouette, tying at the neck and joined from the bust to its base by beaded gold rope.

Founded by Deborah Fleming, Pistol Panties is the epitome of glamorous swimwear, helped by a celebrity following including Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker, its beachwear is designed to make you feel like a superstar.

Havaianas Pop-Up store!

Havaianas customisation pop-up store has found its way into Selfridges Oxford Street for Summer 2009. Add a bit of colour to your summer , select your sole and straps from a selection of different shades, add an extra bit of glamour with one of our customised pins or sparkle with Swarovski crystal and make your own unique pair of Havaianas!

Celebrating Selfridges’ 100th Birthday!

Who can resist the month-long celebrations at Selfridges? I love the Selfridgettes wearing a hot little Giles Decon dress in Pantone 109 made especially to mark Selfridges’ 100 years.

 

There is everything from Gay Bingo to Fashion Saturdays and the Sunday Cabaret!

 

 

 

Louis Vuitton has gifted British department store Selfridgeswith a very special birthday surprise. It’s this cake trunk, a miniature version of their legendary trunk designed especially for transporting birthday cake.

The unique one-of-a-kind piece was handmade in Louis Vuitton’s Asnieres factory. The exterior sports the famous brown on tan Louis Vuitton logo, while the interior is lined in yellow fabric as a tribute to the high-end department store.

 

The trunk is to be auctioned off for charity with the bid starting with a reserve of £2,500.

 

Lots of brands have designed something special to celebrate Selfridges’ bithday from Christian Louboutin peep toe shoes to a Dualit’s toaster! Smartphone manufacturer BlackBerry has even deigned ten Selfridges yellow BlackBerry Bolds with redesigned number keys. The handsets will be individually numbered one to ten, and will sell for for £1,000 each!( http://www.fashion-stylist.net/blog/)