Va va voom

Gone is the reliable sleek and straight style that has been popular for the past 20 years. Say hello to the comeback of voluminous hair. Here's how:

Resist lathering pver-processed hair with a whole bottle of conditioner, although you may think that you're doing it the world of good, the result is often lank and greasy. If your locks aren't in the best of condition, instead of using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, use hair products that contain protein. Redken do an amazing range (Extreme by Redken) for hair that is distressed, yet not too dry. Perfect for those with slighly over processed fine hair, although probably not the best if you have bleached your hair to straw, as it may leave it quite dry.

Loreal have also brought out a similar range (Triple Resist) which is slightly more moisturising.

After shampooing, apply conditioner to the ends only. Once this is washed out, brush your hair with a wide toothed comb and apply mousse (such as Kerastase Resistance). Towel dry hair, and apply another generous dollop of the product. Seperate hair in to sections, and blow dry using a barrel brush.

Finish off with applying serum (such as Morrocan Oil), to the ends.

Voila..

Steel City Shoot

Matte-r of Fact

Gone are the days of dewy skin and slick, glossed lips. These days a matte finish proving to be the look of choice on the catwalk, so when I found a product that offered a matte lip on a budget I was overjoyed.

Collection 2000 conjures up memories of going to Boots after school and spending pocket money on inexpensive cosmetics. These days however, they have really upped their game, with some of their range becoming cult must-have products.

The Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream being one of them.

Peasant Provence

This troublesome pair (left) of French film classic, Jean de Florette, may not be considered particularly iconic by today's fashion brigade. However rustic, root-vegetable shades of orange, bordeux wine reds, and even creamy parsnip-whites, are the autumnal colours of choice, seen on the A/W catwalks of brands such as Chanel.
For the last two years, we have seen the quintessentially British, and farmer-friendly brand Barbour, relaunch itself. However now that the sight of a navy quilted jacket doesnt quite hit the spot the way it used to style-wise, it is now time to put a French twist on our favourite agriculturally-influenced look.

Brand Focus : The Kooples

Founded by French brothers Alexandre, Lauren and Raphael Elicha, The Kooples brand has caused quite a stir since its launch in 2008. Making unisex clothing à la mode, The Kooples collections, comprise of interchangeable mixed-gendered pieces....And the brothers have mastered the perfect way in which to promote their androgynous concept, through featuring real-life (and ridiculously enviable) couples, in their campaigns.

Although a little on the pricey side, the collections consist of classic pieces from stiff-cuffed cotton shirts, to their spectacularly cut blazors, which are tailored in studios which lie along the infamous Saville Row.  

Although the collection boasts a typically parisian-chic simplicity, there are little niche embellishments, such as their signature skull and crossbones, engraved onto garment buttons, which add a anglo-punk edge to their clothes.

Mens Fashion A/W 2011 - Top 5

Top Five Winter Must-Haves

Coolcats T-shirt, £39, Coolcats.fr

The rise and inevitable decline of the vintage clothing industry

The Rise and Inevitable Decline of the Vintage Clothing Industry

   There have always been places that have been good sources for second-hand clothing. Siblings, parents, even grand parents, have always been eager to pass on clothes, in decent condition. However, it’s only in the last few decades that the name ‘Vintage’ has become synonymous with pre-owned quality, such as classic cars and vinyl. Recently, public interest has been guided towards the availability of Vintage clothing. This has led to the opening of more second-hand clothes shops than we have ever seen before.