Perfect Pin Curls

Finally, I have another hair tutorial for you all. Today I'll show you how to create quick and easy pin curls using only bobby pins, a brush and a scarf. So no hot rollers, curling wands or other equipment necessary. How did I figure this one out? Well, during my recent travels, I found myself looking for a way to get structured curls and killer hair in the way I usually get with hot rollers. But of course, traveling light, I had no equipment what so ever. Thus the experiment began, and lo and behold, amazing hair the next day! I call this one my Veronica Lake hair, and it packs a serious glamour punch.

Here's some examples of this hair at work.

So slip into your slinkiest silky number, pop on your fluffy slippers and try this one on for size.

Easy Peasy Vintage Hair

Vintage hair styles often look so complicated. I'm regularly asked how to achieve that "Victory Roll" effect which looks so great but can be quite scary for novices. Rather than showing you a more complex version, I've come up with a quick tutorial that will show you a short cut way to get that "Victory Roll" effect in about 30 seconds. Well the hair takes about 30 seconds, me talking takes much longer, as usual. I will eventually post a tutorial showing how to achieve a more extreme version of this look, (for all you hard core Rockabellas) but for now this is one that is more translatable for a modern look too.

And if you're after another piece of fun to start your week with, try this quiz to find out which 1930's film star you are. No surprises with my results!

Flowers and Beehives - How to do Amy Winehouse Hair

As promised, here is the follow up to the last hair tutorial. A 1960's style, Amy Winehouse Beehive do, just for you. This is a little more complex than the last few, but great fun and may just provide you with the inspiration you have been looking for for Halloween. So have fun, it's a giggle.

Syncopated Style

Last night I enjoyed an evening out at the National Gallery where they are presently hosting Deco era entertainment. A perfect reason to find something a little fancy for a Wednesday night. So I channeled Pola Negri with the smoky eyes and bow lips, and even attempted a novice finger wave in my hair. Such fun.

While the traffic delaying my journey meant that I sadly missed the Vaudevillian strong man and Follies girl act, I did make it in time to hear the wonderful Cairo Club Orchestra. But imagine my delight when this marvelous chap appeared on my radar once again. This time he was accompanied by some seriously stylish ladies who could also dance up a storm. Fortunately the nature of the evening was such that I had the opportunity to hob nob with these elegant companions. Not only could they dance with skill and flair, but to my inordinate pleasure , I also discovered fashion design and millinery to be amongst their talents.

Left to right: Elizabeth, Baron and Lisa.

To see a snippet of the evening's entertainment, and enjoy the dance stylings of our elegant friend, I captured a little for your enjoyment. You'll also notice one of the evenings younger participants who danced her tiny sized 2's off all night. Wonderful.

Hair Again

Today's tutorial is a 1960's inspired, half up do. Something casual, but it shows you how to achieve a bit of bouffant height without backcombing. The do itself only takes about five minutes to achieve, but the tutorial runs for ten with all the chatter. So grab a G & T, get comfortable and sit back.

I'll be following this one up by taking it to the next level and creating a full on Amy Winehouse style in the next episode.

Divided by Eight

Not having yet seen the Sex and The City Movie, I may not be qualified to make these comments, but here goes. One of the often lauded points of this movie is SJP's wardrobe and her multitude of changes. While I admire what Patricia Field did to open our minds to the possibilities of styling some extreme pieces into something wearable, a wardrobe of Carrie's magnitude is not likely to be within our reach. Yes, it is fashion escapism, but I'd like to suggest that on your next "Girls Night In", you treat your eyes to the fashion candy box that is 8 Women.



Not only is the storyline one of drama and intrigue, but the entire movie is conducted with the cast in a single outfit for the duration of the film. And yet, you never tire of watching them. Each outfit encapsulates the nuances of the characters personality, and has a surprising range of versatility, to convey the emotion of each scene. But one of the key details that sets this film apart for me in the fashion stakes, is that although each of the outfits are stunning and beautifully tailored, they never swamp the woman's personality. I often find that many of Carrie's outfits, while beautiful, simply wear her. Hence why we spend so much time talking about the designer or the stylist. I imagine that the woman who has such a strong personal sense of style, and the conviction to go with it, could walk into a party wearing the same dress she did last time, and still be remarked upon for both her presence and her style.

8 Women is an excellent example of one strong outfit carrying you through even the most trying of times, with infinite style. I'd be lying if I said my wardrobe wasn't one of volume, but it is those pieces of exquisite tailoring, luxurious fabrics and jewel like colours that I truly treasure.

Rather than fashion from the Family Sized Candy box, consider the alternative luxury of that single Godiva.

A Little Kawaii

While flitting across my favorite sites today, I came across this super cute clip from French act Titou Le Lapinou. A little something for the child within.