Two minute book reviews...

...from the Kings Cross Social Club last night

Sarah (left) is a hairdresser. She is reading Chocolat by Joanne Harris. She said: "I would definitely recommend this. It's quite mysterious and I like the way the main character is a bit of a psychic and really against religion and the far right.

Yasmin is a graphic designer. She is reading a collection of short stories for adults by Roald Dahl. She said: "His style is timeless. You could read this book in 20 years time and it would still be relevant."

Dimitri is a gardener. He is reading Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk. He said: "It's like reading grunge music."

Andreas is creative developer. He is reading Love All the People by Bill Hicks. He said: "It's good, gives you a lot of food for thought."

Folk musician John Stammers played some beautiful songs at the venue in Britannia Street.

And new garage blues band Old Boy caught everyone's attention. It was their first gig and my, were they good.

The sound guy, who's name I sadly didn't pick up, had manificent facial hair. Despite being a girl, I had serious 'tache envy.

Two minute book review

Elle Korhaliller is a London-based stylist and writes the wonderful blog, Oh Elle. She gave me tips at a blogging workshop in Topshop earlier this week and is reading Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik. She said: "I bought this book because I went through a real Paris phase recently - I was obsessed with the place. I thought it was going to be really mushy but it's not at all. It's very historical. I don't think it's all factual but I'm definitely learning more about the city."
http://ellekorhaliller.co.uk/
ps - apologies for the poor quality picture - doesn't do the girl justice!

Tried and tested: Decleor Slim Effect range

As it’s pre-bikini season, an avalanche of anti-cellulite products has descended on my desk. I can’t swing a cat (or office equivalent) in here without hitting a pot of cream/gel/serum promising to make me marvellous before stripping off on the beach. However, my favourite – launching this week – is Decleor’s Slim Effect range. A three-product collection, it comprises of a Draining Contouring Serum, a Localised Contouring Cream and a Draining Massage Balm. While the former two should be used during the day, the latter should be applied prior to sleeping. Each helps to break down fat cells by eliminating water and toxins.
Naturally, the idea of gaining smoother skin while sleeping is an appealing one. Having been through the uncomfortable processes of vigorous dry skin-brushing and micro-dermabrasion, results without pain would be a novelty. In addition, the fact each product smells delicious - containing lemongrass, geranium and rosemary - is also very persuasive. I’ve spent more hours of my life covered in mud and algae in the name of beauty than I care to tally up.
So, do they work? After using them for two weeks, my skin definitely looks better. The products are extremely moisturising and, I think, combined with exercise have given my skin a better appearance overall. Alone, I’m not convinced they would turn dimpled skin into its smooth counterpart.

In saying that, I love these products. LOVE them. They keep your skin moisturised all day, even when faced with air-conditioning and freak February snow. Use with exercise and come summer you’ll look just peachy.
The Slim Effect range is available now at spas and salons nationwide including House Of Fraser, John Lewis and Decleor. Prices start at £38.50.

Beauty trends report from London Fashion Week

In between drinking champagne and taking in shows, I caught up with MAC to find out what the trends for spring/summer 2010 will be. While some are not too different to 2009, a couple have got me quite excited indeed. First of the latter category is lavender. That's right, purple will be adorning your face like it's 1989 (and Dallas is still a popular soap opera).

The beauty house's Lavender Whip lipstick will capture this look perfectly if/when the snow ever goes away and Blighty has sunshine once more. Like last year, MAC also predicts coral will be a staple of the summer make-up bag as will brights - pinks and reds - that really pop.

Backstage at Marios Schwab, I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview at the beauty trends in the pipeline for autumn/winter 2010. For nails, industrial grey will be the flavour of the winter months as will the most naked nudes - not a pale pink but a colour that really blends into the skin. The polish for Schwab's show was mixed from three different lacquers and applied by Kinetics. But to get a head start on this trend, OPI's Give Me the Moon is a good alternative until next season's nail collections hit the shelves.

Natural make-up and brows will be the over-arching theme of beauty this winter, so throw away the heavy slap you might haul out when the winter months hit. Everything is to be beautifully light and radiant with harder touches in the form of a strong eyeliner or messily smoky eye, as seen at Jena.Theo. For eyes at Schwab's show, one of the backstage tricks was to slick the models eyes with lipgloss to create a sheen more durable and shinier than vaseline. Make-up artist Petros Petrohilos said he was trying to make the models look like 'really beautiful mannequins'.
For the body, celebrity beauty therapist Nichola Joss said bare legs are going to be huge this winter. A light colour will suffice for this season - orange is never in fashion and certainly won't make its debut at the top of the beauty charts in 2010. So forget ditching your bodycare regime as soon as those dark nights start to close in - this winter, skin needs to have a beautifully satin look. St Tropez's instant self-tanning mousse will be a must.

In addition to the pics from backstage at Marios Schwab above, take a peek at some images below from Vivienne Westwood, Louise Goldin, Jena.Theo and Topshop (antlers by Emma Cook)...

The sartorial set are reading...

And so to London Fashion Week, where the trends of next season were revealed. The obligatory 15 minute (at least) wait for shows to start means the sartorial set were still catching up on their literature in between casting their eyes over the runways. Magazines pipped books in the popularity stakes - in particular Grazia, which was being distributed for free outside of the Flower Cellars in Covent Garden.

However, copies of this month's Alexa Chung-fronted Vogue were also spotted getting attendees through the lull between shows in the Topshop Cafe at the aforementioned venue and in the grounds of Somerset House.
In terms of books, the London Fashion Week crowd have been reading:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - dog-eared, childhood copies of the soon-to-be-released-as-a-film book were spotted twice.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery - is it fashionable to be reading children's books en ce moment, peut-etre?
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
The Pregnant Widow by Martin Amis

Two minute book reviews

From The Funeral of Richard Tyrone Jones, a writer who staged his own funeral after turning 30 last night at Whitechapel Gallery (see post below this one).

James is a multi-media artist and is reading Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov. He said: "I like the way he writes. Reading it, you can really recognise that sense of recollection he is having. I'm amazed at the detail he remembers from every part of his life."

Hannah is a web editor. She said: "I have so many half-read books on the go. Catch 22 (by Joseph Heller), Microserfs (by Douglas Coupland) and Revolution For the Hell Of It (by Abbie Hoffman). I'm enjoying the style of the last one. At first I wasn't sure about it but I like it more and more."

James is a tourguide and clergyman impersonator. He can't remember the name of the book he is reading but thinks it is by an author called W. Addison. He said: "I like it because I am learning about really beautiful places kings and queens used to live in that are now council estates."

And more pictures of the evening. After staging his own funeral and organising readings, hymns and prayers to be said in his memory...

....Richard Tyrone Jones decided he was too young to die.

Literary Event: The Funeral of Richard Tyrone Jones

What? Slightly leftfield poetry event in which writer and performance artist Richard Tyrone Jones will stage a mock funeral to mark his 30th birthday tomorrow night. This will include readings of his works and tributes from admirers, followed by a wake in a nearby pub.
Isn't this a bit self indugent? Massively.
Do I have to go? Yes, you do. You really, really do.
Why? Well, if for no other reason, think of the wake.
Aren't there any other reasons? Yes. How many people stage their own funeral? Don't you want to meet this guy who's not dead but is taking his turning 30 crisis to a slightly unnecessary level? Have you no curiosity? You can go and watch Avatar any old time. It's not even going to conflict with Orange Wednesday, for Christ's sake!
Okay, fine. Great, see you there.
Whitechapel Gallery, Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX. Starts at 7pm on February 18th. Entry is free.
Nearest tube - Aldgate East.

How to Get The Literary Look: Holden Caulfield

Designer and stylist Lorna Burt took on the task of presenting her imagining Holden Caulfield's style for the second part of How to Get The Literary Look. The protagonist of JD Salinger's career-defining novel, The Catcher in the Rye, came into the public's consciousness in 1951. Burt instructs on what you need to get the look today and where you will find each detail.
"I am very excited Holden Caulfield is the first male Literary Look icon. If I was a boy I would want to walk, talk and dress like him. So here are some tips to get the Caulfield look.

"I think his appearance would be a mixture of traditional gentleman's tailoring and the preppy sporty clothing of that period. The trick is to get the balance right - sway to far to either side and you will look like Sherlock Holmes or a stereotypical jock. Classic tailored pieces, mixed with sporty knitwear will do the trick. To keep it young and quirky, add colourful or textured accessories like a ‘red dear stalker hat’, bold scarves and brightly coloured socks."

Accessories

"To begin with, the most important thing is investing in a few quality classic accessories. A simple refined bag is a must, but it should still be young looking - avoid the briefcase or bowling bag and opt for a soft leather satchel. 

"Try Diverse on Upper Street, it stock brands such as Ally Capellino and Mulberry. For a more modest budget, try good old Marks & Spencer. They have updated their menswear ranges and you can find great accessories there, trust me. If you would rather find something more unusual, try Greenwich market at the weekends for antique writing carry cases, satchels or vintage doctors bags.

"Shoes are crucial, at least one beautiful pair of leather shoes. Avoid pointy-toe Topman shoes. You are looking for simple and understated. Try Jermyn Street if your budget can stretch that high, Crocket & Jones or Church’s are my favorite. 
EBay is a wonderful place to find bargain vintage men’s shoes, rules with vintage shoes are focus on the upper, don’t be put off if the underneath is scuffed or worn, you can always have them re-soled later.

"Getting accessories is the fun part. Start rummaging around charity shops and car boot sales for pieces that will add personality to your look. Take the opportunity to add small splashes of colour or pattern where you can, starting with socks and ties. Try Margaret Howell - her store on Wigmore Street is fantastic and full of knitted ties, scarves and socks. For a deer stalker hat try Camden passage on Saturday mornings."

Clothes

"Invest in a gentleman’s sporty blazer. Hunt around and try lots on to get the perfect fit. Look for interesting details like newspaper pockets, leather buttons and melton felt collars. Look for heritage British labels such as Burberry, Daks, Aquascutum, Hawkes and Hackett. A tip when trying on jackets - the shoulder fit is crucial. A well-fitting blazer should be slightly wider than your shoulder measurement, but no more than two fingers width on either side. Otherwise you will look like Joan Collins.

"Again try local charity shops or Camden Passage in Angel as it has some nice stalls on Saturdays. While you're there, make sure you try a truffle or hot chocolate from the award-winning chocolatier Paul A Young. Alfie's antiques market (Tuesday-Saturday) and Battersea Car Boot (Sundays) are also great places to find tweed or wool blazers and accessories.

"For shirts and trousers make sure you keep keep it simple - Holden opts mainly for white shirts. Trousers should not be skinny, or baggy for that matter. Find a straight leg with a slightly loose fit. Try to find warm natural-coloured jackets and trousers. Black is too harsh - if you really hate brown then go towards navy and olive greens instead."

"Knitwear is a great way to add splash colour and texture to your look. The best place to start is John Smedley, but you can find on most high street stores. Keep an eye on the designer sample sales. Cos often have nice quality cashmere cardigans and jumpers. Uniqlo is a popular choice. Just be careful to avoid the shoreditch 1980s colours."

Grooming

"While you are central, drop into  Geo. F. Trumper, London's oldest grooming establishment. You can experience a traditional close razor shave or just visit the shop, pick up some products and try it in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Confidence

"Most important of all - practice a confident swagger, carry yourself well and wear a smile on your face. And don’t try too hard - just have fun dressing up.

Happy shopping..."

Twilight: The Make-up Collection - The Verdict

To approach a make-up collection inspired by teen books without skepticism would have been a failing on my part as a rational human being. I'm into Daniel Sandler, Bare Escentuals and MAC for god's sake.

But following a night spent trying out the products, I stand corrected and wrong. Twilight: The Make-up Collection is getting high praise.
Now, for all those who like the natural look, let this pass you by. There's no point in getting involved unless you have the occasional hankering to look like a showgirl. Those who love to look like they've got some slap on, roll up.
Of all the products, my favourite is the Venom. I kid you not, it's a wonder. A ruby lip stain, it makes your kissers pop. And, it has impressive durability. After eating a dinner of vegetable stew, Victoria sponge and lemonade I still looked like I'd been sucking cherries all night (see very posed picture below, taken by my flatmate David).
For a more day-friendly lip colour, the Just Bitten Eye Candy is a perfect pink, completely addictive and again has staying power.

The Volturi loose eyeshadow (yep, that's right - this manufacturer isn't stopping at just the name of the film - it goes into character association) in 'Labyrinth Lover' - no joke - is a sparkling lavender eye-popper. Use a brush to line your peepers with it and get yourself to a burlesque night. The look this creates is pure trashy glamour. The Face Glow does give a shimmer but it may not be what those who are genuinely vampire-inspired will appreciate.

Rather than making you looking undead and porcelain, it gives you the healthy sheen of someone who eats their greens and gets eight hours every night. The mascara is not a revelation and being a matte lover, the lip gloss in a bit sticky for my tastes. But other than these two products, I am surprised and impressed with the range. Good colours, satisfactory durability and discreet packaging. You could whip these babies out in a public loo and no-one would know they're part of a collection inspired by a four-book teen sensation.
Guess I better get used to that apologetic pre-fix of, 'Okay, I know it's the Twilight range but...'
For more information on the Twilight make-up range go to http://www.simplebeauty.co.uk/

Literary Icons: Rick Lyons's who and why

Rick Lyons is a Leeds-born, London-based writer.
1. Who is your ultimate literary icon and why?

I knew nothing of Iris Murdoch when I began reading The Sea, The Sea. I absentmindedly pulled a dog-eared copy off a kitchen shelf at a friend’s house and later took it home to finish.

By the end I was stunned, blown away. There was something about the narrative, which not only avoided cliché, but utterly confounded it, turned it on its head. The events were so unlikely that they were completely convincing and compelling.
As I read more, I found her other stories not only share that quality, but others too. She knows how to do suspense and as a consequence her novels are as page-turnery as anything I’ve ever read. Also the magic-realist touches, which annoy some, appeal to me. I enjoy it when she strays into the supernatural and when you don’t quite know whether to believe the narrator.
More than anything else though, it’s her focus on emotions which does it for me.
She opens up her characters heads and carefully spreads the contents all over the page. The protagonists are given great powerful sweeps of feeling which are picked over in wonderful detail and which motivate them to all sorts of obsessive, demented acts. Unintentionally perhaps, she shows it’s okay to have passionate, overwhelming feelings, or if it’s not okay, it is at least human.
2.If you could emulate the style and pastiche of any character in literature who would it be?

I'm going to go for Irvine Welsh's smackhead hero, Renton. When I was at Edinburgh University, two films were released which were both set in Scotland and which both had a huge impact north of the border. The first was Braveheart, which I remember got a impassioned round of applause in a cinema on Clerk Street. The second was Trainspotting. At the time, there was some debate about whether it glamourised heroin use. I'm not sure that accusation can be made of the book as it's quite unremittingly bleak, but it's undoubtedly true of the film. What's not to like about a junkie played by a young Ewan McGregor who pulls sexually precocious school girls to the sound of Lust for Life by Iggy Pop? In our flat, another debate raged about when the film was set. I argued that it was meant to be the 1980s, although I think I was on shaky ground. The events of the book certainly take place in 1980s Britain, but I think the filmmakers played down the Thatcherite setting to give the celluloid version a contemporary zeitgeisty feel. The result is a kind of timelessness. And the same applies to the clothes. Shaven headed Renton's outfit of pale skinny jeans, a tight-fitting retro t-shirt, white pumps and a kind of brown bomber jacket would look good in any era. The term in fashion parlance is probably classic.

Although I'd rather avoid images of characters as they are depicted in films, I feel this one is almost unavoidable. The release of the film in 1996 was a defining moment of the decade and the aesthetic modelled by Renton was instantly recogniseable due to the style adopted by bands and  fashion at this time. For boys, I don't think this look has ever really went away, as we can see in the last photograph of Brooklyn band The Drums taken by designer Hedi Slimane in 2008.

What I read on tour...

Frightened Rabbit said (via Twitter so not sure if it was Scott, Billy, Andy, Grant or Gordon): "I read A Scots Quair by Lewis Grassic Gibbon on our last tour. It helped to remind me of home just a little bit! I try and read the paper too."

Two minute book reviews

Sam and Zach were at the private view of the Gagosian Gallery's marvellous new show, Crash, last night in Kings Cross.
The former is a student and reading Epigoni by Homer. He said: "It is good because it's basically saying you can't control everything, the gods ultimately decide your fate. I like this theory."
The latter is reading The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. He said: "It's a really cool book. I'm enjoying the descriptions of Sicily and the historical aspects of it."
As well as impressive hats, the pair were also wearing exceptionally dapper shoes.

Literary Icons: Lorna Burt's who and why

Lorna Burt is a London-based designer and artist. She has previously designed for Alexander McQueen and Roksanda Ilincic and styled for Space Between magazine for three years. Burt will be styling our Holden Caulfield get-the-look feature later this week.

1. Who is your literary icon and why? My first choice would have to be Charles Dickens. I love the way he carefully builds his characters. I find his books incredibly visual, particularly when he is describing the streets, buildings or waterways of London.
Great Expectations was the first Charles Dickens book I read and it is still my favorite. My Grandfather loved to quote Joe Gragery's excerpts to me to make me laugh: ‘What larks’.
The book is a great example of how Dickens loved to portray the heroes and villains within his work. The villains always have the most wonderful names, their appearances always extremely detailed, the bitter jilted Miss Havisham in her tattered wedding gown to Jagger's with his OCD hand washing and Able Magwitch, the terrifying escaped convict.

Whilst the unsung heroes like the lovely Joe Gargery are subtly and lovingly woven into the background of each story, proud, loyal and humble. No matter what Joe is faced with he still smiles, content with what he has and always searching for the best in people.

There is a brilliant Charles Dickens walk with a funny and knowledgeable guide, it starts from St.Pauls on Sundays, see London walks website for details.

2. If you could emulate the style and pastiche of any character in literature who would it be?
As this is such a hard question, I have chosen elements from two of my all time favourite female characters. They have similarities, mainly in that they have utterly terrified and spurred my imagination from a young age.

Firstly, for style and beauty it would be Jadis, The White Witch or (Queen of Narnia). I remember thinking nothing of the stone table, Lion or friendly fawn, I wanted to stay with the evil Queen with in her glass palace with all those beautiful glinting ice statutes, packs of wolves and Turkish delight.

 I picture her tearing through the snow on her sleigh, with her long silvery fur coats and icy cold complexion....she is amazing.

(from www.fashion156.com)
Secondly, for hair inspiration it would be Bertha Rochester from Jane Eyre. She is confined in a solitary room, as she is mad. For me, the most chilling and memorable passages in the book are when she manages to escape, charging around the corridors with her candle wearing a torn flowing nightgown, wild backcombed hair and a savage look in her eye, very Kate Bush in the early 80's.

With such great descriptions, I couldn't help but add a couple of seemingly Bertha-inspired images to this post. From Alexander McQueen's Fall 2008 collection (pics from www.style.com)