Good Manners Cost Nothing!

Good manners cost nothing - and the staff at the MAC counter in Selfridges at Manchester's Trafford Centre clearly abide by this old adage.

After visiting the counter last night - I was in Manchester for the opening night of Cirque du Soleil (which is excellent, by the way) - I was extremely impressed with how friendly and approachable the staff were.

I've been disappointed with some high-end cosmetics counters in the past...but the staff at MAC in Manchester were blimming brilliant.

I've been umming and ahhhing about trying MAC's Studio Tech foundation for a while. I was worried about break outs (which I've read some bloggers complaining about) and was unsure about forking out over 20 quid for something I may have only used once. That's an expensive mistake to make, I'm sure you'll agree?

The kind gentleman on the counter (thank you, that man with the chic bow-style blouse!) was neither pushy or impatient - guiding me (and my dear mum) through the pros and cons of each foundation - of which, as you know, there are many.

I walked away with a sample of MAC's Studio Tech foundation in NC15 and so far, so impressed.

Has anyone else tried this product? What do you think of it? I'm going to give it a few more days before I run out and get a full sized compact.

If you're wondering.....I also bought a lipstick in 'Lustering' and my Mum made her first foray into the wonderful world of MAC by purchasing a lippie in 'Russian Red'.

Any other recommendations re.foundations? And has anyone else experienced the fantastic customer service at MAC's Trafford Centre counter?

I Know Where I'm Taking My Mum This Mother's Day.....

There's a chance to spoil your Mum rotten this Mother's Day as LUSH shops across the UK fling open their doors for an afternoon of tea, cakes and top notch pampering.
Taking place on Sunday, March 14, the 1950s themed afternoon of decadent pampering will include free hand massages, foot massages and facials - along with cups of tea, cakes and even some vegan treats.

For more details, go to http://www.lush.co.uk/

Style File...Meet Laura, aka Chesty Morgan

Charity shops should NEVER be underestimated - just ask stay at home mum and bargain hunter extraordinaire Laura from Cambridgeshire.
Laura, aka ChestyMorgan on Twitter, deserves a medal for her chic charity shop finds - which have so far included a Hobbs 'twirly frock' for £2.99, a cheap as chips Reiss blazer and a Karen Millen dress.
Laura's five-year-old daughter is following firmly in her mum's footsteps - with a super stylish dress sense all of her own.
Read on....

Laura: Seen here with her five-year-old daughter

1.Who or what inspires your style? 
Most of my teens were spent watching films and I'm a great believer in the power of clothes to totally transform one's mood.
I may well wake up feeling like a hefty wench, but a few judiciously selected pieces and BAM! I feel like a screen siren.
A particularly beloved Hobbs 'twirly frock' of mine was a £2.99 in an Age Concern shop find and practically screamed from the hanger
Postman Always Rings Twice era Jack Nicholson could well throw me onto a kitchen table in this....

Laura has a great eye for a bargain: Karen Millen pink top and Reiss blazer

2. Which celeb's style do you feel is overrated?
Mrs Beckham. She sports some glorious clothes but never looks like she enjoys wearing them.
I'd be permanently enraptured if I had the access she must to fabulous clothing.

3. What item of clothing wouldn't you be seen dead in?
Wet look leggings - although they are very long my legs are those of a rugby player.
No one needs to see that : 0 )

4. What's your current hairstyle?
Shoulder length bleached blonde, with face thinning wisps.
(On a bad day I fear I've the face of a cabbage patch doll)

5. Your favourite clothes shop and why?
On the high street, Zara. It's affordable elegant and understated.
The vast bulk of my wardrobe is from hawk eyed charity shopping though, wherein I'm a bit of a label whore.
Favourite finds include aforementioned Hobbs dress, a Reiss blazers till tagged Firetrap jeans, and most recently a Karen Millen vest top.

6. And your favourite item of clothing?
Ooh that's a toughie. I've a gold dress I bought about ten years ago that I wore one NYE, and again as an extra in Dead Set - running in heels away from zombies during the eviction scene.That is an experience I'd recommend to any girl - professional make-up and a proper wardrobe to oooh and aaah over.
In this instance, the wardrobe mistress was an Ab Fab veteran so as you can imagine the clothes were to die for.
If memory serves me correct, the pink stole I'm sporting in the pic is from Biba*squeals with delight*
I'm also very much ever in love with a sheer pre raphaelite print dress from the Czech republic's equivalent of Miss Sixty. I have had it for many years and it goes with everything; over a basque and jeans its Minxy, over a blue silk Monsoon nightie its grown up and sophisticated.

Laura: All glammed up as an extra in TV's Dead Set

7. Heels or flats?
Heels are an occaisional treat for me but I do feel far sexier in them.
For day to day my feet are encased in a pair of MBT trainers; which to my mind are the comfiest shoes ever.

8. The one item everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Skinny jeans. I used to believe they would never work on a size 14 like me but I realise now there's a pair for everyone. My ones of choice are from Next

Isla: Pretty and stylish, even in the rain

Thanks to Laura and little Isla for giving us a glimpse into their wardrobes.
Don't forget to check Laura's Twitter page out at www.twitter.com/chestymorgan

If you enjoyed this Style File post and you'd like to read more - head to the 'Style File' link in the sidebar (right) to read more.
If you'd like to take part in one of these posts, just email me at laurenholden6@gmail.com The more the merrier!

Mother's Day Competition: And the winner is.....

Thanks to everyone who entered my Mother's Day competition here

I've really enjoyed reading all your entries.

I was umming and ahhhing over whether to just pick an entry out of a hat, as choosing a winner from all your fantastic entries proved more difficult than I anticipated.

Honestly, your lovely words about your Mums were a joy to read - I was welling up!

But in the end, I decided on Lady Gray as the winner. Her comments about her mum were, I'm sure you'll agree, lovely.

Here's what she said:

"My Mum is the best because when I was expecting my second baby I had no childcare for child one when I went into labour.
"My mum lives a couple of hours away and with no idea when baby was going to arrive she came down to stay for as long as it took, looking after Chloe and helping out.
"I actually had Lola on my Mum's 20th Wedding anniversary which she spent away from her husband, alone in my house while my daughter slept and she sat up all night worrying about me and waiting for news. She never once reminded any of us that it was an important day for her and I know she felt sad being away from my stepdad.

Congratulations to the winner. I'm sure you'll agree, Lady Gray's mum deserves a treat after missing her wedding anniversary.
What a fantastic Mum she sounds!

Lady Gray wins a stunning retro inspired hair dryer to give to her Mum on Mother's Day, courtesy of Looks Gorgeous - please email me at laurenholden6@gmail.com and I'll make sure your prize is sent out.

Thanks again to everyone - I wish I could've picked you all as winners. Thank you for saying such kind words about your Mums, I really enjoyed reading them. All your Mums sound brill - just like mine!

How will you be treating your Mum this Mother's Day? I hope you spoil her rotten!
Love Lauren x

Backstage With.....The Pipettes

2010 sees the return of one of Britain's most underrated acts - The Pipettes.

Since losing two members back in 2008 - see NME's story here - the then Brighton-based band went their separate ways. For fans of The Pipettes, it's been a long-awaited return. But now they're back, from outta space - quite literally it seems, as they release their comeback single 'I Was Saved By A Spacemen'

Today's 'Backstage With...' interview sees me talk to original remaining member Gwenno about the new line-up change and a brand new Pipettes' sound.

The Pipettes are now fronted by original member Gwenno (left) and her sister Ani

Gwenno (right) with her old bandmates

Lauren: What have you been up to of late and are you excited to get back 'out there'?

Gwenno: I don't think I could ever express how excited we all are to get 'back out there' as it were.
As a musician you are completely intertwined with your work, it is your identity and of course, I can only speak for myself but I don't exist really unless I'm creating or performing on stage. So, to answer your question, we are very excited!

Lauren: The Pipettes have a brand new line-up. Please fill us all in...
Gwenno: Well, we're now a six-piece pop group and it's myself, Ani, who's my sister, Jon, Bobby, Seb and Alex.
Joe, Rose and Becki left during and after the first album and the four of us who were left wanted to carry on.
Over the next couple of years we tried to emulate that three girl line-up that had served us well the first time around, we recruited my sister, Ani and two other girls, Anna and Beth, over that period but it never felt right. It didn't feel like an evolution. Then we met our producer, Martin Rushent, as a two-piece as one of the girls hadn't turned up and he declared us the new ABBA and so that really established the idea of us being a streamlined double vocal disco outfit. We tried having a third voice for the album after that but again it didn't work out and the songs hadn't been written with three girls in mind really and so it was always the case of the third girl having to find a harmony that wasn't there. That's the basic gist of it, it's pretty long winded but it's been a few years and a lot can happen in that amount of time!

Lauren: It also seems you've altered the band's sound, from cheery retro inspired pop to electro funk. Was this new direction deliberate?
Gwenno: It was very deliberate. We sang a lot about dancing the first time around, and the girl group era was a great place for us to start as we wanted to re-address our own musical history, but we were always going to evolve from that.
Although we got together and conceptualized the second album the dance/disco element came naturally, we wanted to create high energy and songs that we could get lost in and could make a whole field of people move.

Lauren: Are there any current UK bands you feel are over hyped?
Gwenno: I think on the whole it's just a shame that bands or acts are overhyped as they just don't get a chance to develop naturally. There's just so much pressure on you immediately and acts are generally put under a microscope before they find their feet or have had a chance to gain any experience.
I think it would be far more interesting if bands could somehow survive and have a good few years under their belt before anyone hears about them, especially if their acts that need to develop organically.

Lauren: If The Pipettes could support any act, who would it be and why?
Gwenno: The Human League, as they're touring soon HINT HINT and are obviously rather amazing.
I can't think off the top of my head. I personally would love to share a stage with Shirley Bassey, she's a hero of mine and would blow us off the stage, perhaps we could be her backing singers though?

Lauren: Will The Pipettes be keeping their old trademark polka dot dresses, or have you gone for a new look on stage, too?
Gwenno: No no no! Those dresses came about for the most practical of reasons.
We wanted to avoid fashion the first time around as it wasn't a common interest within the band really. It was a really good way of always having something to wear but got really boring very quickly and so this time around - and as Ani has a first in Fashion - we've decided to just go for it and experiment a lot more.
It's so important that as women we are not restricted by our own image - and certainly one that relies on old fashion ideals of what women should be - and that's why we've decided to evolve.
We'll always have fun with dressing up. I just don't want to self-impose the same tired old boundaries and there are so many outfits out there that we want to wear!

Lauren: Who, if anyone, are your style icons?
Gwenno: Hmmm...
I think as a band we're more interested in getting our influences from all sorts of areas rather than having 'style icons' in the traditional sense.
We would rather make works of art rather than take influence from a famous person's personal style.

Lauren: Finally, what's in the pipeline for the band?
Gwenno: Touring and more touring please!
We're happiest as a band when we're on stage, that's when it all makes sense and so we're just really excited about getting a chance to play our new (and some old) songs to people and to get to take this album to as many music lovers as possible!

Don't forget to check out The Pipettes site here and I'll leave you with an old Pipettes' favourite of mine...'Judy'.

From Canada with LOVE

Just over a month ago, an email to join Skully's Secret Valentine's Swap popped into my inbox.

Having never had so much as a pen pal (sob), the excited little child within me was raring to take part.

Details were sent and partners revealed, I waited with baited breath for my 'secret admirer' to send their package.

And when a lovingly wrapped parcel from Canada dropped through my letterbox I couldn't contain my excitement.

Thank you very much, Niki, aka Purple Crown Princess Cosmetics

Niki went to so much trouble searching out gifts she knew I'd love.
She even checked my blog beforehand for photos, remembering the colour of my eyes and finding eyeshadow shades to suit me.

Without further ado then, here's the lovely loot...

10 out of 10 for presentation, Niki - and thank you so much for the thoughtful handmade card.

I received: A beautiful handmade personalised card with lovely note, a mountain of sweets and chocolate (which I'm still working my way through) some lovely Canadian Maple Tea (enjoyed on my work break last Friday, thanks Niki), a stunning Covergirl purple eyeshadow quad with eyeshadow brush, a mini brush set in travel case, NYC lipstick in Rose Petal and a gorgeous 'Likable' waterproof pink sparkly pencil eyeshadow stick.

Thank you very much, Niki. You (and your generous gifts) really made my day. I have been spoiled!

Did anyone else take part in Skully's swap? It'd be great to know what you all received.

Check out Niki's lovely blog here and don't forget to check out Skully's blog and maybe you'll be invited to join in the next secret swap.

Hot off the Press: Nail Illamasqua's new Competition!

Ever fancied yourself as a nail artist?

News of Illamasqua's new competition just popped into my inbox.
Illamasqua is famed for its unique and daringly different collection of cult nail varnish colours - and now the cosmetic brand want you to get creative.

"Whether it’s the standout shade of your favourite killer heels, your must-have cupcake frosting or the glow of the city skyline, Illamasqua want to hear what inspires your soul."
Illamasqua is asking finger fetishists the world over to submit a description of their dream nail varnish colour, for their chance to make it a reality.

Run in conjunction with Selfridges, the competition is giving nail varnish fans across the globe the opportunity to push their imaginative boundaries and design their very own perfect shade.
Entrants must explain in no more than 50 words what inspired their unique choice, and provide an image or photograph to illustrate their big idea.
The prize? Two winners will see their dream colour created and sold exclusively at Illamasqua.com and Selfridges in London, Manchester Trafford and Birmingham from October 2010. In addition, they’ll receive a bottle of their winning colour before anybody else!
The winning entries will be selected by a high-profile judging panel comprising make-up artist Alex Box, nail artist to the stars Sophy Robson and YouTube sensations Pixiwoo.

The rules:
In 50 words or less, submit a description of your dream colour and the thinking behind it – please include pictures to illustrate your inspiration if possible.

Entries must be submitted in one of the following three ways, no later than March 14.

Via email: competition@illamasqua.com

Via blog post: email the link to competition@illamasqua.com

Via mail:
NAIL COMPETITION
c/o Illamasqua
6-8 Amwell St
London
EC1R 1UQ

One entry per person. Competition is open to entrants globally.

Beauty and That: A Man's Eye View

BEAUTY ain't always about us women. Occasionally men want to get involved, too.

And just over a week ago my London-based chum and DJ/Writer/All Round Leg-end extraordinaire Joel Crookes jokingly asked if he could be featured and talk about his 'beauty tips' on my blog. Be careful what you wish for Mr Crookes....

Joel Crookes. Handsome and stylish...

1. Ey up Joel. What's your daily beauty routine?

Before I moved to London I didn't need to moisturise because the water in Morecambe isn't as hard as it is here.

Now I use Clean and Clear Daily Facial Scrub and L’Oréal Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue moisturiser. I did try one of the Bulldog products which I was given as a Christmas present once, but that was a bit too greasy.

I attempt to sort my hair out with VO5 Texturising Gum, but I've got a daft hair-line so it all just grows straight and flat anyway.

2. Whose style do you admire and why?

I am a big fan of Mark Ronson, he always dresses well in sharp, well-fitted suits.

Kanye West is very much into his clothes and definitely has his "dapper gent" style locked down. And Mr Hudson, of course [Mr Hudson makes Joel want to do a sex wee]

3. Do you agree that Mr Hudson is a fan of beige jumpers - see my style blog with Katie Taylor -www.bigmushroomstyle.blogspot.com

Without a doubt. But if you've seen the cover for "Straight No Chaser" you'll understand why. He is effortlessly cool, even in beige.

4. Who's the most beautiful woman in the world?

Apart from you, I only have eyes for Zooey Deschanel. Possibly Alexa Chung or Mélissa Theuriau (French newsreader). Maybe throw in Jessica Chobot (IGN / Xbox Live presenter) too for good luck.

5. If you were a woman, whose style would you steal?

Alexa Chung without a doubt.

6. What's the most unflattering look on a woman?

I lived in Liverpool for a few years and I did not find the velour tracksuit/pyjamas, perma-tan and ratty dyed hair look attractive at all.

7. What item of clothing wouldn't you be seen dead in?

A Liverpool FC shirt.

8. If you were a woman, which make-up look would you try out first?Dark eyes first, red lips second. Or both at the same time.

9. Whose style is overrated?

Sarah Jessica Parker. She isn't fashionable, her stylist is.

10. Finally, which product couldn't you leave the house without?

Eye drops and Blistex.

So there you have it!

Go and befriend Joel at www.twitter.com/joelcrookes. He's a top lad.

Fellas, want to be featured here? Email me at laurenholden6@gmail.com and I promise not to take the mickey.

I've Just Lost Out on £3.50...

Since we abandoned our monthly office Lotto sydicate some months ago, we thought it'd be a laugh to place bets on last night's BRITS instead.

Our lunch hour yesterday was spent placing our money - 50p each - on our picks for this year's BRIT awards. There's only 7 of us, making the prize fund a whopping £3.50.

Sheets were handed out and we all had to pick a winner from each category - 'International Breakthrough Act, Best British Single, Best International Female...and so on.

We arrived at the office this morning like giddy  kids on Christmas morning...and we couldn't wait to tot up the scores and see who'd come out on top.

Want to know my score? 5 out of 12. I'm ashamed of myself.

It was a tie between Greg (our entertainment editor) and Stuart (our website fella), who each scored 9 out of 12. Jammy dodgers. They bagged £1.75 each.

After his win, Greg had this to say: "I'd like to thank all my colleagues, my mum, my dad, my wife, my kids, my pet goldfish, Alexander McQueen, Steve McQueen, the McQueens from Hollyoaks, The Queen, my make-up artist and especially all my fans. I love my fans. My fans are the best fans in the world. Blub!
PS: Almost forgot, thanks to the rest of the Spice Girls"

Stuart said the win wouldn't affect him and he'd go on being the person he has always been.
Biscuits are on Greg and Stuart then!

So what did you think of the BRITS? Who deserved to win? Who didn't?

I'll leave you with this.....

Can Beauty Bloggers Be Trusted?

Morning all,

I've just been alerted to a post on the site Make Up Advice Forum regarding beauty bloggers and their place within the beauty industry.

After Sam Donald, the founder and editor of the website, met some beauty bloggers at London's recent IMATs show, she was surprised to discover that blogging is rapidly becoming a 'trusted' media form.
However, she's keen to point out that "most non professional (non makeup artist/beauty professionals) bloggers are relatively fickle [in their opinions]"

Speaking about two bloggers she met at IMATs, she states:

"They seem to churn out great long reviews every day, but don’t actually say very much. By their own admission to me, neither of them are makeup artists, or beauty professionals, in fact their ‘day jobs’ are so far removed from the cosmetics industry that it made me wonder what qualified them to be counted as beauty journalists – after all, that’s what members of the Press and Media are."

Read the full story and join the debate right here
Don't forget to let me know what your views are, too, by commenting below.

Are you a beauty blogger yourself? Do you think it's unfair to suggest that beauty bloggers' views aren't always to be trusted?

And if you want a man's perspective, head over to SoulIstheGoal's blog here
Here's a Twitter mate of mine and freelance games writer. Go and subscribe and say hi!

Don't Forget to Enter....

There's still time to bag your Mum a fab prize in time for Mother's Day on my blog right here

Bag your mum a vintage-inspired floral hairdryer - simply subscribe and tell me why your mum is the best in the comments section of the previous post (link above).

Good luck!

Beauty Judge UK Blog Awards: I'm a Nominee!

Morning all,
Some great news just popped into my email inbox - I'm a nominee for the BeautyJudge UK Beauty Blog & Vlog Awards 2010.

I'm nominated in “The Everyday Woman Award” category - which has been created for up-and-coming beauty bloggers and vloggers, with under 500 followers/subscribers.
If you like my blog, please, please help me win the award by voting for me by using my unique Voting ID EWA1076 right here

You'll be in with the chance of winning a fab beauty hamper (worth over £100) from Beauty Judge just by voting, too. Your vote must be received by February 28.

If I'm a winner, I'll feature on BeautyJudge.com and receive a cash prize. Please vote for me, it'll make my day if I win.

Thank you in advance and thank you for reading my blog.

Love is in the Air...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, so what better way to get into the spirit than an interview with a top flirting expert.
Jean Smith has been teaching flirting techniques both in Britain and across the pond - and will this year be celebrating Valentine's Day by throwing a party for 40 singletons. All very Sex and the City, I'm sure you'll agree.
Read on...

Lauren: You've been running a series of courses to help people build upon their flirting technique. How are these received and is the feedback generally fairly positive?
Jean: It’s all been positive. By the end of the course, people are surprised at what they are capable of, as well as becoming more open-minded. It’s like the off switch has been flicked on again.

Lauren: You've been lucky enough to travel the world with your job, taking your courses to America and beyond. How do Americans' flirting habits/behavior compare to those of British singletons?
Jean: Americans are used to the ‘self-help’ culture, so it was much easier to break in.
I noticed Chicagoans’ reasons for coming on the tour were starkly different than Londoners. The Americans were primarily there to look for a husband or wife, whereas the Londoners thought it ‘looked like fun’.
Americans seem to take a more straightforward view to their flirting, as they do with everything.
It’s more acceptable to walk up to someone with the obvious intention of flirting. In London, people would rather die than be obvious about flirting.
The English culture prescribes more to what you don’t say than what you do. It appreciates the subtly and the hint of flirting, which is what the best flirting is all about..the hint of mystere, rather than a brick being thrown at you.

Lauren: So, do you often put your own tips into practice?
Now that I am a happily married woman, my husband is the only recipient of my ‘flirting with intent’ kind of flirting. I like to catch him off guard, which is another tip for great flirting - don’t be predictable.
But there are many different reasons for flirting. I still do it to make people feel happy, to pass the time in a more enjoyable way, like in a queue and, maybe, to even get a discount *gasp*.
But, that’s more about being charming than flirting.

Lauren: What's the worst chat up line you've ever heard?
Jean: “You must be a parking ticket because you’ve got fine written all over you.”

Lauren: You have your eye on a bloke in a bar. How do you approach him to strike up a conversation?
The first step is to be in his proximity. If you are at the other end of the room, the chances of you two connecting is pretty slim. The next step is to conveniently be in the same place he is and then ask a question according to the context.
For example, he happens to be standing at the bar to get a drink and then you just happen to also be there. You ask if he’s been served. He replies. You then say something else if he doesn’t take the bait. If the timing is right and the people are right then it will naturally evolve. If it doesn’t, nothing’s been lost. Go find someone else to flirt with.

Lauren: What advice would you give to people who're unlucky in love?
They are probably attracted to people who aren’t compatible with them. Look to see if there are any obvious patterns in the people you go for. People who we are physically attracted to aren’t always the right match for a happy and healthy relationship.

Lauren: Do you have anything special planned for Valentine's Day?
Jean: I am running a massive flirting and walking tour in conjunction with Bulldog gin. I will take 40 singles on a brand new route along the South Bank, ending at a bar for a party, with drinks provided by Bulldog.

Lauren: What's the most romantic thing anyone's ever done for you?
Jean: Hired me a cleaner.

Lauren :What, in your opinion, is the number one flirting faux pas?
Jean: Trying too hard to impress rather than listening to what the other person is saying.

Lauren: Finally, how can you tell when a man/woman is flirting with you?
According to research I did in over 250 single people, telltale signs are:

- The way they are looking at you: extended eye contact and frequency.

- Touching

- Laughing at ‘stupid’ jokes

- Paying all of their attention to you