Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Scent Map of Britain – life’s sweeter up north

I just received this in my inbox and I thought it was really interesting as Nic and I both fit perfectly into the habits of Southern women. Where do you fit UK ladies?

The North/South divide is proving alive and well in beauty halls across the country with the most floral, feminine fragrances a sell out success thanks to northern women. South of Watford Gap however, women are snapping up musky, woody and even male scents, according to findings released by one of the UK’s largest perfume retailers, Debenhams.

Northern and Scottish ladies are drawn to glamorous fragrances with a sweet, edible ‘gourmand’ edge. They choose the most ‘girly’ of fragrances with the current bestseller in the region, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.

Southerners opt for more masculine fragrances with an edge, such as Clinique Aromatics Elixir. Men’s fragrances are also popular with Southern girls who wear them on a night out for a more distinctive, dramatic scent.

Women in the Midlands and Wales are the most traditional, opting for the enduring classic perfumes such as Chanel No. 5 and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.

Irish women are plumping for fresh, light fragrances, even through the winter months, choosing Calvin Klein Euphoria and Marc Jacobs Daisy.

Research from the retailer also showed that:
Northern women are very loyal to perfume brands and invest in big bottles that last months
Southern women are much more likely to buy several small bottles of fragrance that they interchange on a regular basis
Northern women spritz the most – topping up their perfume in the morning, lunchtime and often twice in the evening
Southern women are more likely to go fragrance free during the day, keeping a bottle in their handbags or office draw ready for a night out
Northern women wouldn’t even consider borrowing their man’s scent – less than 5 per cent have done so
Southern women are frequent offenders and borrow their partner’s aftershave on average once a fortnight

Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams says, “We see the same trends in fragrance as we do in fashion. Just as Northern women snap up our party dresses and highest heels, they also love the most feminine sweet scents.

“In the South however, it’s distinctive, often masculine fragrances that are teamed with a more edgy style.

“As perfume buying reaches its peak in the run-up to Christmas, we have altered our stock patterns to make sure that whether you are after a fruity fragrance in Folkestone or a woody whiff in Wigan, there is a scent to suit under the tree”.

Debenhams sales figures also reveal that in contrast, there is hardly any regional variance in terms of male fragrance. 1 Million, Bleu de Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male are the consistent bestsellers throughout Britain.

Attridge adds, “As long as they smell good, British men are quite happy to buy a brand they recognise and like without worrying about the messages their scent portrays”.

I am also interested in the fact that Paco Rabanne 1 Million for men has a clean sweep.
I wonder how much of it's success has to do with the rather brilliant commercial. I think the advert really appeals to men (and women). Great music, Alcohol, Nice car, a bit of gambling, a naked supermodel and the allure of sex, power and money. Perfect.
Advertising at it's best.



Monday, December 20, 2010

Nic's Top 10 winter products

1. I stumbled across Oilatum natural repair face cream, and I have to say I love it. My skin was so dry and flaky but after a week of using Oilatum it look healthy and radiant, the only problem is I get though it like its going out of fashion.


2. I like to wear Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream on top of my make up just on my cheek bones and my eyes because it makes the skin look glowing.

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour lip balm I put on when I go to bed so my lips stay conditioned all night.
I like the Arden one as it stays conditioning for longer.

 4. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is my newest foundation, the first time I used it I was unsure if I liked it as much as the original Vitalumiere as I felt it had a little more coverage but I tried it again for a night out and loved it. So now I use it every day.

 

5. By Terry is the concealer I have been looking for.  I love love love this product. Moisturising yet has good coverage......Fantastic!
 6. Both Sam and I have raved about this mascara for a while now, its cheap and makes your lashes huge. It doesn't last so long before it drys out but its only £4 and works wonders.

7. Nars Multiples in Orgasm is a really nice cream blush to make the skin look healthy, it is slightly glittery which I like.
8. Laura Mercier Brow powder Duo, It gives a lovely soft finish to the brows and you have the choice of 2 colours depending on how you are feeling that day.

9. The Mac 266 brush is ideal to use with the Laura Mercier brow powder duo.

10. Clarins instant light natural lip perfector, This is not too glossy. It evens out the lips and just feels amazing.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Alexander McQueen SS11 ...


I was doing some research into trend prediction for my current project and came across this collection by Mcqueen. Very inspiring and relates directly to my own work.
What do you think?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Frank151 Presents: Ricky Powell - "Bug Out".....Launch Party, NYC

12/12

Famed NYC street photographer Ricky Powell collaborated with Frank 151 on the latest issue of its Frank Book—a quarterly publication that selects "special guest curators" to direct its editorial themes.  The latest issue, which Ricky titled "Bug Out," features a brand new series of photos, as well as collaborations with a collection of artists.  To celebrate the launch, Frank151 hosted a party at Sacred Gallery last Thursday night in downtown NYC, where the photos will be on exhibit until Dec. 28.  Definitely one to check out if you're in the city.

From left, Crazy Legs, Ricky and Joe Conzo
Ricky and Crazy Legs




My best friend Danielle is now the proud owner of this photo of Basquiat and Warhol.

I thought this was just funny...

 Really liked this one of Sandra Bernhard.

This one wasn't for sale (believe it's from the photographer's archives). The Beastie Boys.

Ricky Powell, back in the day...


...and now.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Developing My Ideas...





My designs for my current project are really developing. I have spent the last week or so experimenting and trying out new techniques. My work seems to have taken two very different forms, so I have separated it into two separate collections.  Here are just a selection of my favorite designs. The designs are for women's wear AW 1011/12. The designs have yet to be put on to a garment flat to get an idea of placement. 
What do you think?

All images are my own please credit if you would like to use else where.

Monday, December 6, 2010

New products review details

Jemma Kidd - Light As Air SPF 18

Ultra light and natural skin foundation for a velvet, shine-free finish. SPF 18.
  • Highly blendable and lightweight texture
  • Silicone coated pigments for a velvet feel and soft focus finish
  • Balancing benefits to help keep the skin perfectly matte for an even, shine free complexion
  • Unique long-wear technology for all day staying power
  • SPF 18 to protect skin from harmful rays
  • x7shades






Bourjois New formulation Round Pots
Bourjois has used the revolutionary “baked technology” since 1863 to give its eye shadows an ultra soft, light and easy-to-blend formula that allows you to apply the colour as much as you want for a luminous result. A unique feminine design with integrated mirror and applicator for an easy application anytime, anywhere.

A hypoallergenic formula, paraben and
fragrance free.
Contains up to 80% of mineral pigments.



Louise Young Eyeshadow Palette.
Available from 15th December from www.louiseyoungcosmetics.com £30.00
Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick SPF 15 Ultra hydrating and plumping. The Glossticks are super sheer colour wash for the lips with an ultra moisturising and high gloss formula. Infused with light reflective particles and a light plumping active, lips appear fuller and smoother.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick
Make Up For Evers launch of their new Lipstick line Rouge Artist Intense. With 50% more pigment than the classic lipstick the Rouge Artist Intense range will give great colour pay off in just one stroke. The rich and; creamy formula provides a long lasting result. Available in Matte, Pearly and Satin.
Available for worldwide shipping from Guru make-up emporium


Make Up For Ever Uplight - Face Luminizer Gel
A luminising gel which imparts a natural glow to the face. The formula contains over 70% water for a fresh and; light texture along with light reflecting pearls to ensure an even, radiant result. Pro Tip: Use alone on bare skin, or mix a little into your foundation to customise. Available in three finishes: Dewy, Pearly and Sparkling.
Worldwide shipping available from Guru make-up emporium



Handmade Bespoke Nail Quills
Unique, extraordinary, and extravagant these tantalising talons are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Designed and handmade exclusively for Illamasqua by one of the hottest names in nails, Mike Pocock, these collector’s items are guaranteed to tease the senses of anyone whose eye they catch. Presented in a beautiful gift box they come complete with nail tabs and glue. False nails will never be the same again!

Two Nail Quills per set, designed to be worn on either thumb. Featuring a matt black finish and silver tip, match your Nail Quill with our new matt black Nail Varnish in Scorn. Exclusive to Illamasqua.com and our Flagship Store, 20 Beak Street London.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Weekly Tutorial...



 
 
Tutorial 15th November 2010
Today’s tutorial went really well, and many new ideas were brought up as to how I can go on to further develop my work. It was said that my work so far is ok and I am going in the right direction however there are some things I could do to improve the work such as play with colour, scale and the imagery I am using.
To Do For Next Week:
Play with scale and zoom in on small sections.
Could have one big flower and lots of small flowers.
Play around with colour have some very black and some very spacey and white.
Play with what is real and what is abstract.
Paint with my left hand with a stick etc.
Experiment with colour.
Some of the simpler prints look quite effective.
Do something really different with each image.
Try lots of new things.
Bring new shapes in: eg. Torn paper, shapes, squares and rectangles.
Use background colours.
Look back at summer project to use textures.
Blur imagery.
Use imagery of butterflies etc patterned wings.
Try some complicated compositions.
Try not to use same imagery.
Do a colour palette.
Make flowers look metallic, like chrome.
Paint patterns into paint bucket tool.
Paint bucket into other images/patterns.

All Images are my own. Please credit me if you use elsewhere.