La Nuit de la Mode- C'était Formidable!

Last night, I had the grand privilege of going to the “La Nuit de la Mode” event to celebrate the end of London Fashion week. Fashion week is always an exciting time but with this event being in such a fantastic venue and location- Molton House on South Molton street; I knew I was in for a treat.

The show, set up by Natalie Robinson, founder of the highly successful Style Icon website, showcased several outstanding collections: Nicolina and Epoque to name but a few provided me with a wonderful sight to see. Endzone Image makeup artists were also at the event doing a fantastic job, even giving free makeovers!

As soon as I entered Molton House, I got a taste of the lavish environment and electric atmosphere through the pink spotlighted stairs that led down to the main showcase. All around me were mirrors, sophisticated cornered seating areas and warm lighting. The room had a slight disco feel to it, it was the perfect venue for such an occasion bringing both glamour and relaxation to the evening.

In no time at all, I was sipping bubbly champagne with the MRH team and I was excited to see what the Style Icon crafted fashion show had in store.

Whilst I was there, I caught up with Natalie, the lady who set up the fantastic event. As well as being the founder of Style Icon, Natalie is also an “A” list celeb stylist. With this in mind, I wanted to find out who her style icons are, she told me: “I love Gywneth Paltrow’s style because she is edgy and elegant at the same time and Audrey Hepburn because she’s classic.”

Natalie (see Natalie and I in the image to the right) has undoubtedly had many styling accomplishments so far but the one that beats the rest was when she found a dress for a celebrity (who wishes to remain anonymous) for the Oscars. Natalie concurs: “This lady was physically impaired but I found her a dress that fitted her like a glove, she felt confident and looked fantastic in it. That to me is really satisfying”.

After an interesting interview with the lovely Natalie, I moved on to meet the dynamic duo: Semone Ballin and Melanie Leonard. These two makeup artists from Endzone Image fascinated me when they told me how they got their big break on their own, without contacts, through sheer determination. I found this highly inspiring.

Melanie told me: “We set up on our own, made our own portfolios without the help of a makeup degree”. Their hard work has clearly paid off, since then they have worked at the MOBO awards, for GMTV’s Lorraine Kelly’s style awards and their latest project Semone divulged, is a “collaboration within the music industry”, where the duo “recently worked on Aggro Santos’ new music video to his song Stamina”. I, for one, can’t wait to see what this looks like! (See image right with Melanie, myself and Semone).

It was then time for the pièce de résistance of the night – the fashion show! The catwalk, being round, with a mirrored pillar in its centre, made for an interesting and unique show. And, the designs that were coming out were even better. The Nicolina shoes were worn with every outfit and added a touch of elegance to each design. I loved the backless dresses on show by Epoque, a lot of them had fine chain detail on the back too, which added an edginess to the glamorous look.

Velvet is obviously very much in this winter, since there was so much of it on the catwalk; especially, the cherry red shade which I adore. Ruffles on fitted shirts were also another trend to spot. However, the “out there” PVC dresses I wasn’t such a fan of. I appreciate the designer’s fearlessness in trying to create something edgy but… I can’t see these designs being worn in real life. I felt that the PVC ruined a perfectly beautiful dress; however, it was something different and interesting to look at.

Overall, the “La Nuit de la Mode” event was fantastic. It was great to meet so many inspiring people and wonderful to see such interesting designs in such a chic location. Top marks for “La Nuit de la Mode” and bravo to Natalie at Style Icon!

Miss V x

An Event to Remember

Events are always fantastic; celebrations with a combination of Fashion and Music, what better? However, it’s a slightly different story when you are working at the event rather than sipping cocktails all night long.

It didn’t’ stop my excitement though upon arrival at the Mandeville Hotel in London, when I was ready to assist at the annual Aruna Seth Designer shoe event. Having been interning at Aruna Seth shoes this summer, I was thrilled to be invited to help out at the event.

As soon as I got through the door of the lavish hotel, it was all hands on deck to prepare for the night’s event. In no time at all, I had obtained a makeshift office out of the exquisite dining room table and chair I was sitting at, as you do. Careful not to move any of the beautifully laid out cutlery arrangements, I hastily edited some business cards.

However, despite some weary looks off the waiters; I soon had to move a few glasses around due to all the stationary and rising pile of Aruna Seth leaflets stacking up- what’s a girl to do?

Then we had the tempting task of packing the goody bags with lots of treats including Olga Berg purses, Make Believe Fake tan, Max Benjamin scented candles and Orly nail varnishes!

Before long, it was time get to changed into something more soiree and pop on some of the Aruna heels- I was thrilled I got to wear the butterfly platform heels! Not only do I love butterflies (sparkly butterflies= even better!) but the shoes just happened to go perfectly with my outfit!

Rocking the LBD, the butterfly platforms and the Aruna Swarovski butterfly brooch, I was all set to go for the event! Black and sparkly silver is always a nice combo...

The event took place in the Mandeville Bar, a perfect venue for such an occasion. Lavish glass doors, magnificent paintings in extravagant frames and the impressive illuminated glass bar. I couldn’t wait for the guests to arrive...

Come seven o clock, I had secured my position by the shoe displays ready for the inquisitive guests. The photographers got a few pictures of the shoes (...and us!) and “Ooo Wee” by Mark Ronson started playing, setting the scene for an exciting night.

I enjoyed chatting to the guests and informing them about the beautiful shoes, especially the ones that I was wearing after people spotting them. However, I can’t deny that I would have liked to be socialising with them all! Yet, it was still an honour to speak to interesting people at the event.

And despite working there that night, I was pleased that people still had the courtesy to shake hands and introduce themselves to me, top points for good manners; especially in the world of fashion as that’s not always the case.

There were a few recognisable faces there too. Apprentice fans would have noticed Raef and Kate Walsh- who is now a 5 News presenter. Imogen Thomas from Big Brother also made an appearance amongst lots of friendly fashion acquaintances.

Undoubtedly there were lots of arty enthusiasts mingling at the event too, since there was also celebrity art by Terry ONeil on display. Marylyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn portraits were just a few of the iconic photographs on show.

It soon became really packed and I was finding it hard to move in between people but I was glad that everyone was clearly enjoying themselves and more importantly, enjoying the shoes!

I did get an urge to be dancing and drinking with everyone; they were playing great music, but I thought it best to maintain a professional attitude!

As the night grew to a successful close, we packed up the shoes and when everything was packed up, I was touched that Aruna gave us each our Swarovski butterfly brooches to keep.

I was also equally elated to take home one of the delicious goody bags! And I was lucky enough to find an Olga Berg black velvet clutch inside mine! This will be perfect for up and coming nights out nights out!

Overall, it was a fantastic event, the shoes went down a treat and I will always have my crystal butterfly as a memento.

Miss V x

Photos: Top right- Aruna and I. Second Right- Goody Bags. Third Right- Kate Walsh, Raef and Aruna (Aruna Seth photos facebook). Bottom Right- Intern girls and I at the Aruna Seth event, Mandeville Hotel, London.

Get Bold with Blue: Nail Art.

I was really grateful to have a lot of positive feedback about my last nails post so I did another one for you guys! This look is not for the faint hearted but if your like me, then no colours are off limits. It's fun to experiment with colour, especially for fancy dress. But, it doesn't matter how you wear them; go bold with blue nails and an LBD or use this look to complete your fancy dress Mermaid outfit. Which ever way, rock these bold blue nails!

Want nails like these? Here's how...

Step one: As usual, make sure hands are clean and dry and moisturised! Moisturising makes such a difference with the way skin looks so it is important, make sure you do it! It doesn't matter which one you use, even Johnson's baby lotion is a perfect moisturiser and it's not costly either.

Step two: Wipe any excess moisture on the nails away as this can sometimes affect the way nail varnish sets and sticks. Then, buff and file the nails to a square oval shape and push back all the cuticles.

Step three: You now have the perfect canvas for nail painting! It is often a good idea with bold colours such as blue to paint on a clear base coat first, to avoid staining your nails. The Rimmel clear nail varnish is a good one to use because it counts as base coat and a shiny top coat too.

Step four: Once the clear nail varnish base coat is dry, you are ready to paint your blue nail varnish on! You can choose whatever shade of blue you want but I went for a bright turquoise by Orly. Paint on two coats, making sure that each coat dries before you paint on another. Once you are satisfied with the coating, proceed to step five!

Step five: Since Blue is such a bold colour to go on the nails, you don't want to over do it, hence why I only added one diamonte to each ring finger as a finishing touch on each hand (see the image above). To attach the diamonte you have two options...

Step six: You can either, add the diamonte carefully whilst the blue nail varnish is still wet and allow it to stick and then allow to dry. Or, you can wait for the nail varnish to be dry to add it and stick the diamonte on with eyelash glue. It does the trick!

Step seven: Once you are happy with the way your diamonte is sparkling on your ring finger (haha get it ;)) and you are sure it is dry and secure; you can paint on a clear top coat on each nail. This top coat also doubly secures the diamonte in place and adds a glossy shine.

And there you have it, pop on a big sparkly ring to make your nails stand out even more and you are good to go!

Photography and Nail art by Miss V (Vivacious V copyright).

Let me know what you think of this look, post a comment below!

Miss V x

How to be fashion savvy this Winter

So I am never normally one for embracing Winter and it may not be the end of Summer just yet. But, for some of us, there are no more hot holidays to be had, there’s certainly no hot weather in England and we’re in that irritating in between seasons stage. So why not get prepared for Winter?

I for one am not a big fan of Winter- its cold, its wet and it means covering up a perfectly good outfit with coats etc. However, any fashion girls or boys out there know that the Autumn/Winter collections are upon us now on the catwalks and this year I’ve got quite excited with all the winter treats to be had!

So I’ve set out a lil’ how to get Winter savvy prep list, starting now for all those people out there like me; that either don’t live abroad in a hot country or that are feeling that summer is gone so why not embrace winter?

TGFF I say (thank god for fashion). We don’t have to be depressed about the end of hot days we can look forward to wearing amazing Winter clothes. I say out with the old and in with the new, get over being miserable about the end of summer and get ready to embrace this new season.

Why be fed up when you can be fashionable!

So here we go...

♥ Invest in a good pair of Jeans. They are an essential for winter and can be worn with nearly everything and for almost every occasion, if worn in the right way. Although its effort finding the right pair, you’ll thank yourself for it come mid winter when you’re warm and looking slick in your perfect pair. Black military style jeans will be big this winter and black, being a neutral, goes with everything.

♥ So what better to go with your jeans than a gorgeous coat? There are so many to choose from this Winter, I’m not sure which one to go for. I would have one of each but to avoid breaking the bank, I think I’ll go with the classic black trench coat.

However, I’m sure it hasn’t escaped all you Fashionista’s attention that the Aviator jacket with the fur (faux fur of course) collar is BIG news this winter.
It’s not my first choice, but I have been known to say that about Harim trousers and eventually gave in to them so who knows. For those of you Aviator jacket fans out there, I spotted a great one in Zara the other day....

Capes are also oh so in this Winter and I’ve got my eye out for one of these too!

♥ Get a Haircut! Hair can get dry and brittle in the cold, just as it can by the end of the summer from all the heat, chlorine and sea water. So now, in this seasonal transition period, it’s the perfect time to cut off any split/dead ends and start a fresh. A deep conditioner wouldn't go a miss either. Then by Winter, it will be in better condition, not worse and you can start as you mean to go on.

♥ “Apple bottom jeans, Boots with the fur!” Ok Flo-rida, apple bottom jeans not necessarily, but boots with the fur? YES: Massive this winter! I already have my pair lined up and have been swooning over them for a while now. New Look is kindly looking after them for me until my student loan comes through and boy I cannot wait!

The key pair of boots this season are platform, leather and chunky, with bigs buckles and straps. However, to suit the lavish Aviator jacket trend, these boots have a little folding over of fur (again faux fur) at the top (see above right image). They are like little santa boots, but fashionable! I predict these will be everywhere by mid winter, you just have to find the right pair!

I’m also debating on whether to venture into the biker boots territory. These boots are scary and kind of ugly, but cool at the same time? Yes, it's possible. They can look very good with the right thing, not to mention they are practical and winter weather worthy! So I may just keep my eye out for a pair of them, they are growing on me, I think more people will be willing to try them out this year.

Oh, I almost forgot, velvet boots are looking cute this winter, especially the cherry red ones, also from New Look; see what I mean about too many to choose from?

♥ Finally, invest in a good lipstick. A moisturising one is the best in winter to keep your lips looking luscious, but colour wise, I think you have an excuse to wear a berry coloured one! It’s easier to get away with darker colours in winter, make-up wise, so why not give it a go? Not to mention, your lips look sultry and fruity at the same time! If not berry, go for red, always looks sophisticated, just watch the lipstick on the teeth scenario.

So I hope this has swept your winter blues away and got you excited for the new season, yes its autumn first, but Winter is the one to look out for! Happy clothes hunting...

Miss V x