These Dating Duos Will Give You Serious #CoupleGoals

TV presenter Laura Jackson and photographer Jon Gorrigan

Go-to place for date night?

Our very first date was at The Charles Lamb in Islington. I bought Jon a lottery ticket as an ice-breaker and we had shots. Real classy. Now we go to Morito on Exmouth Market. We always order the patron peppers, the tortilla and the aubergine.

Fave romantic bar?

We often have a spritz at Bar Italia before dinner in town. But there is something really romantic about sitting at the counter in any restaurant. We love the Palomar and Barrafina.

What’s on your Sunday lunch menu?

Mexican! Jon makes the guacamole and I’ll make everything else. Normally some slow roasted meat, with pineapple salsa and tacos.

Your next British weekend country escape?

Coombeshead farm, the new hotel and farm by April Bloomfield in Cornwall. The food has had great reviews!

It’s Christmas Day, what are you cooking?

I love making celeriac remoulade. We really go to town at Christmas and both travel home about 2 stone heavier.

Blogger Alex Stedman (@TheFrugality) and director/videographer Chris O’Donnell

Go-to pub for a lazy Sunday?

The Trafalgar in Tooting has been refurbished and does a mean roast dinner. Centrally, I've just discovered The Grazing Goat in Marylebone and now recommend it to everyone.

Your pre-payday and post payday treat? 

You can't beat Franco Manca for pizza price and taste. For a blow out? We try and go to Roka at least once a year. We love sitting at the bar and watching all the action.

Best British seaside haunts? 

We had the most incredible breakfast spread at The Reading Rooms in Margate. It is only served to your room. And for dinner, we had fishy snacks and gin and tonics at Hantverk & Found. They just served us what they had, which I kind of enjoyed.

Secret spot for picnic? 

Morden Manor Park. It's right by the tube stop so feels really urban but inside it's a National Trust park and is really stunning.

Festive faves?

We went to India last December and are thinking about disappearing again this year. So it might be curry for Christmas again.

Fashion designer Rejina Pyo and Chef Jordan Bourke

Your go-to place for a date night?

The Palomar just off Shaftsbury Avenue, or its sister restaurant The Barbary in Neals Yard. We always sit at the bar and chat to the chefs. And we always order the kubaneh bread, deconstructed kebab and Josperised aubergine.

Where will we find you on a Sunday?

At The Bull and Last in Hampstead for its simple but delicious food and its proximity to the park to walk it all off. 

Where’s good for a midweek drink? 

Damson and Co in Soho is good for a relaxed glass of wine, and the enormous window is a great spot for people watching. 

You’ve got friends coming round for pre-dinner drinks. What are you mixing? 

A classic Americano with campari, vermouth and soda. Jordan and I host Korean supper clubs and they are always a favourite!

Weekend escape?

The Gunton Arms, where one would be forgiven for never leaving the bedroom and roll top bath tub, except for the incredible food downstairs! The butter lobster is insane!

What’s on your Christmas day menu?

This year we are going completely off piste and cooking whole roast salmon, and sea bass marinated in Korean flavours. We will still have some traditional roast veggies, but also are planning some big abundant grain salads, to keep things a bit lighter and more fragrant. And for dessert Jordan's chocolate and hazelnut tart is the best.

Guardian Cook Editor Mina Holland and composer/sound designer Freddie Webb

Friday night date spot?

We've temporarily been living near Hampstead, which has a wonderful yakitori restaurant called Jin Kichi. Miso aubergine, Japanese pickles, seaweed salad, avocado maki and grilled black cod with rice are our go-tos. And beer, of course. It's untrendy, very local and feels authentic.

Go-to Sunday pub?

The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town for the brilliant rotating roster of craft beers and mad ciders, the pork buns, colourful characters, and complete lack of charm with which everything is served.

Where’s good for a midweek drink? 

Quo Vadis in Soho is definitely our go-to for negronis and greasy nibbles – it has a home away from home feel.

Fave romantic bar?

Noble Rot on Lamb's Conduit Street. They have a knockout wine list.

Best budget restaurant and best blow out treat? 

The Moorish Lounge in Norbury in Streatham, for tagine, BYOB, low lighting, and a backdrop of Moroccan music and hookah smoking. It's mega.Blow out treat? Not that they happen often, but one of Simon Rogan's restaurants probably - L'Enclume in the Lake District or Fera at Claridges.

Best British seaside haunt?

We go to the Cley Smokehouse in Norfolk and buy dressed crab, mackerel and crevettes, then eat them with boiled new potatoes, mayonnaise and lemon, and wash this all down with some local beer from Yetman's.

Country escape?

Hay-on-Wye, where we stay in a B&B called the Bear. Last time we went to Wright's Food Emporium in Carmarthenshire (aka the middle of nowhere) which blew our minds. Also Bruton in Somerset, where we stay and eat At The Chapel.

What’s on your Christmas day menu?

Turkey. Freddie's roast potatoes. Savoy cabbage with caraway seed. Carrots with bacon. Raw shredded sprouts with orange and hazelnuts. Bread sauce from a packet. Colman's mustard galore and a shedload of gravy.

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Looking for more date night inspo? We've found the best rooftop bars in the UK

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These Dating Duos Will Give You Serious #CoupleGoals

The Chic Girl's Guide To Ear (And Other) Piercing

EAR - LOBE

Where?

Urban Retreat Medispa at Harrods. Almost everyone gets their lobes pierced first so why not make a treat of it? Yes, it's a little pricey but earrings are all 18 karat gold or titanium and you get presented with an inauguration certificate after you've taken the plunge. Well, when in harrods…

How much?

£50 plus £5 for additional aftercare solution but follow up appointments are free.

How do I know it's safe?

First things first, we need to say it, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME. Ok, now that's out of the way… The technician should clean the ear lobe and blot it dry before marking it up to be pierced.

TOP TIP: Always check the marking is where you want the piercing to be. Don't be afraid to ask them to move it slightly if you're not happy. You're putting a hole in your self so now is the time to be fussy!

Ear lobe piercings are generally fine to be carried out with a gun which should be sterile and the earring used should always be new and not used on anyone else previously. If you're allergic to certain metals, notify your piercer and make sure you're buying the right earring.

Any icky myths?

Not really, this is a pretty simple one. Following the piercer's advice of keeping it clean and dry and checking for infection should mean that any nasty infections are kept at bay. Just try not to fiddle with it, please?

How long will it take to heal?

Roughly around six weeks. Don't take your earrings out until the piercing has properly healed or the holes could close up and you'll have to go through the process all over again.

Pain factor?

5/10. A sharp pain followed by a low and slow burning sensation is generally what happens.

Chic places to buy bling?

Where do we start? Etsy for endless supplies of quirky studs, & Other Stories for minimal gold hoops on a budget or for ultra-pretty artisan earrings, cute Chelsea boutique Felt is our go-to. We could go on and on...

Inspiration Instagram

EAR - CARTILAGE

Where?

Metal Morphosis, Topshop, Oxford Street. The secret salon in Topshop's basement is the perfect place to get splurge on a spontaneous ear piercing post-shopping trip and it's just had a super chic (and a little less scary) makeover. Huzzah!

How much?

There are SO many different parts of your ear to get pierced, we couldn't possibly list them all (thankfully Pinterest exists for this) and they cost all different prices. Generally it starts around £20 and goes up depending on the type of piercing and jewellery.

How do I know it's safe?

If anyone ever tries to pierce your ear anywhere other than your lobe with a gun, run a mile. A sterilised hollow needle should be used and the piercer should be wearing surgical gloves.

Any icky myths?

We've all heard the, 'If you get the top of your ear pierced, it'll fall off' rumour that went around school. If the piercing is done by a trained professional then there's no reason why you should end up losing a limb.

Hot spots?

The forward helix aka the prettiest (and most unexpected) place to wear one simple stud, or rock three in a row to make a statement. The daith otherwise known as the hippest place to wear a gold hoop since everyone went crazy for the tragus in 2008. The conch - ideal for an ultra-subtle stud hidden in the centre of your ear or for a bolder ear-hugging hoop.

How long will it take to heal?

Cartilage piercings can take anything from four months to a year to heal, so be nice to them!

Pain factor?

Depends on the thickness of the cartilage. Getting a helix done is about a 6/10 but thicker parts of the ear like the conch or anti-tragus are always going to be more painful. It'll be a sharper pain than getting your lobes done but the burning sensation shouldn't last as long.

Chic places to buy bling?

We don't mean to bang on about Etsy but it really is a great place to get your hands on more niche studs and bars that look a little prettier than the industrial-style stuff they have in salons. If you're going big budget, Astley Clarke stocks everything from diamond ear cuffs and tiny rose gold studs perfect for more awkward piercings to single earrings so you can mix and match.

Inspiration Instagram

NOSE

Where?

The Circle in Soho. Ask for Rihanna aka the woman with the most delicate hands in the biz. And the bluest hair. Between InStyle's beauty team and every other beauty editor we know, we've all gone to her and now we can't go back.

How do I know it's safe?

A sterilised needle is the name of the game for this one as well. All the same rules apply, just stay vigilant!

Any icky myths?

The amount of teenage girls we went to school with that ended up with infected nose piercings where you could barely see the stud are too many to count. Obviously these can occur and as it's your nose, things get a little more complicated. Nostril piercings are less complicated and sticking to a rigorous cleaning routine should keep everything infection-free. Septum piercings (usually a hoop around the dividing bar of your nose between your nostrils) if infected can interfere with regular breathing and in extreme cases lead to the collapse of the nose. BUT this is super rare. We've said it before, and we'll say it again, get it done by a pro, keep it clean and you're good to go.

How long will it take to heal?

Same rule applies for cartilage and nose piercings. When a new piercing is less than six months old and sometimes up to a year, the tissue can squeeze down and start connecting, and healing closed. For safeties, just keep that jewellery in.

Hot spots?

The septum. Still having a moment since Rihanna showcased hers last year, everyone from FKA Twigs to Jessica Biel is casually rocking a hoop between their nostrils.

Pain factor?

A nostril piercing should be around the same pain level as thinner cartilage in your ear but the septum could be a killer. We're giving it an 8/10.

Chic places to buy bling?

Aussie jewellery brand Sarah & Sebastian sell super beautiful sleek silver and gold hoops that are horse shoe shaped so there's no awkward butterfly - perfect for looping through a septum piercing. And we know it sounds obvious, but Topshop actually stock a great range of nostril studs at totally affordable prices - ideal if, like ours, yours keeps falling out never to be found again.

Inspiration Instagram

TONGUE

Where?

Prick Tattoo and Piercing London aka the hippest place to get inked and pierced this side of Shoreditch.

How do I know it's safe?

We're gonna say it, DON'T try this at home. Ever. Thanks. Find a piercing pro you trust (ask to see their portfolio of past work if you're not sure) and check as usual that the needle used is from sealed sterile packaging. Your tongue will then be held in a clamp and a needle pushed through before a barbell (the metal bar) is put in the hole. After the swelling subsides, you'll need to go back for a second session and have a smaller barbell fitted.

TOP TIP: After putting a hole through your tongue, eating isn't going to be so fun. Stock up on carbs before you go so you don't go hungry. If you're known for having a squeamish stomach, avoid anything that might come back up!

Any icky myths?

This is your tongue we're talking about, if anything's going to get infected easily it's going to be this. Follow your pro's cleaning instructions to the letter and brush your teeth after every meal to avoid bacteria building up. Rinsing your mouth with salt solution a few times a day is a good way to do this as well. If any signs of infection like excessive redness, swelling, pus etc. decide to surface, get yourself checked out. Trust, you'll thank us for it.

How long will it take to heal?

Weridly tongue piercings are actually one of the fastest healing taking around three to four weeks.

Pain factor?

Surely a 10/10. This one's only for the brave.

Chic places to buy bling?

Find tongue bars that don't look like something a scene kid from the early noughties would wear can be a little tricky. Our advice? If you're in the area anyway, Prick sell an eclectic selection of jewellery from around the world with everything from Swarovski crystals to Tibetan brass. Still can't find what you like? They can even order in or have something made specifically for you. Now that's some chic service.

Inspiration Instagram

 

FAKE

Where?

Ummmm, nowhere, you're not actually getting anything pierced, remember? This is the completely pain free solution to adding face and ear bling without taking the plunge of piercing. Those with squeamish stomachs, this is for you! From ear cuffs and clip ons, to pretend lip wrings and septum piercings, you can pretty much fake every piercing there is. The best bit? You can change up your accessories to suit your mood regret-free.

How do I know it's safe?

Comfort yourself with the knowledge that no holes means no ears falling off/infections etc. Yay!

Any icky myths?

If you count people thinking you're less adventurous, then sure. If not, you're myth free baby.

How long will it take to heal?

We're sure you can work this one out for yourself...

Pain factor?

No piercing, no pain my friend.

Chic places to buy bling?

We're a little obsessed with the super cool alternative to painful clip on earrings, Coops London. Tres chic, these cuffs slide onto your ear lobe and look awesome. Think less Pat Butcher ear chandeliers, more ultra-delicate, minimal cool studs.

Inspiration Instagram

NEW PIERCING HOT SPOTS

Farewell 16-year-old belly bar, these are the adult-friendly body piercings with red-carpet approval.

Nipple

Ever since Kendall and Kylie Jenner debuted their nipple bars, it's been the surprise comeback piercing of 2016, with Bella Hadid and Rihanna also jumping on the boob bandwagon.

Smiley

Officially called the superior fraenum, it's the little web that connects your top lip to your gums. Go for a hoop like Scream Queen's Keke Palmer for a hidden piercing that peeks out when you smile. Get it?

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The Chic Girl's Guide To Ear (And Other) Piercing

A Glitter Lip for Every Level of Glitter Lover

The launch of Pat McGrath’s Lust 004 glitter lip kit left us coveting the shimmering smiles we saw all over our Instagram feed. But because we know a full-on glitter pout may not be everyone’s style, we rounded up the sparkly set to suit every level of makeup lover.

1. For the Minimalist: Surratt Beauty Lip Lustre in Ensoleille, £22

Does your makeup routine consist solely of mascara, tinted moisturizer and lip balm? If yes, swipe on this glimmering neutral gloss. It’ll give your natural lip tone a subtle boost. The almost undetectable shimmer blends beautifully with the smooth (not sticky) formula, producing a plump, glistening pout.

2. For the Chameleon: Jouer Long-Wear Lip Topper in Skinny Dip, £13.50

For those who love to switch from a nude to crimson lip halfway through the day, this shimmering lipstick topper will be a new go-to. The clear base with champagne flecks glides over your lipstick, giving you a totally different look. Our favorite feature is the coconut-oil based formula that hydrates, and prevents shimmer particles from settling into lip lines.

3. For the Bold Glitter Girl: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Big Bang, £13.50

It’s a one-swipe wonder: This sheer fuchsia bullet is packed with hot-pink glitter. The intense payoff, paired with the pink-tinged-purple hue, makes for a show-stopping pout. Just be sure to trace your lips with a matching liner to ensure the product doesn’t migrate outside your lips.

4. For the Eccentric at Heart: Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Unicorn Tears, £18

Just like the name suggests, this cool-toned lavender lipstick with iridescent blue micro-shimmer gives lips an otherworldly gleam. Wear it alone, or layer it over a mid-tone pink for a warm violet shade that’s not for the faint of heart.

5. For the Forever Glamorous: Pat McGrath Lust 004 Lipstick Kit in Vermillion Venom

The lust-worthy kit from pro makeup artist Pat McGrath packs super-fine red glitter particles that you can press over lipstick or gloss. Tip: If a few flecks fall on your face mid application, use a piece of medical tape to remove them without disrupting the rest of your makeup.

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This story first appeared on InStyle.com

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A Glitter Lip for Every Level of Glitter Lover

11 Reasons Why Brooklyn Beckham Is Basically The Guy You Crushed On At College

Where to Buy the Slip Dress That Selena, Kendall And Gigi Love

When it comes to the slip dress, we sound like a broken record. It's because we love it so much—and we have a deep archive of articles to show for it. We've shopped them out in every colour and print, we've looked to the stars for style guidance, and we've taken cues from the runway to transition them into winter. But out of all the slips in the world (and there are many, trust), there is one particular style from one particular brand that celebrities keep going back to, so much so that we can't help but take notice.

By designer Nili Lotan, the slip dress in question is crafted from fine silk charmeuse with a raw-edge hemline, and it comes in literally every color imaginable. And given its recent meteoric rise in fame—exposure from Gigi Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, and Kylie Jenner, to name a few—it's hard to believe that this slip was first conceived nearly a decade ago.

"Did I know it was going to be a success? No! I designed it the same way I designed any other dress," Lotan told us. "But I knew it was something when I first opened my East Hamptons store six years ago and in the first week, a woman came in and ordered that dress in 10 colors—that's when I realised, How often do you design an item that people want multiples of? It's not candy, these are expensive dresses."

Shop: 22 Slip Dresses We Need In Our Weekend Wardrobes

Since its inception, she's reimagined her classic cami-style design in every shade, in varying lengths, and in different fabrications, but she maintains that the knee- and floor-length styles in navy and black charmeuse are best-sellers. And once this recent wave of It girls discovered the dress, Lotan remarked she could hardly keep it in stock ("It was completely unexpected," she said).

As for an explanation of why this slip dress is so in-demand, Lotan can only guess. "The details—there's something about the contrast between the elegant dress and the raw finish that makes it so cool," she says. "It's sexy, it's minimal, it's sophisticated, it's timeless, and it's seasonless, which embodies everything my brand stands for. You put it on and you are in a million dollar dress."

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Article courtesy of Andrea Cheng at InStyle.com

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Where to Buy the Slip Dress That Selena, Kendall And Gigi Love

Ruffles, Knits and PVC - How I Nailed My Party Vibe

I absolutely love dressing up, going out and really making an effort. I am the not the sort of fashion girl who's always in black, understated cashmere. Get me a glittery heel and I'm super happy. Saying that I don't want to look like every other person at the party. So & Other Stories, which is brilliant for one-off quirkly pieces, has become one of my go-to stores if I've got a big night out in diary. Every week I'm going to do a shopping haul at my favourite stores - this will be my first. The only issue with it has been was trying to narrow down my ultimate edit. Queue hours in the changing room. So here goes.

Outfit 1: After work drinks with the office lot

First up I was dying to wiggle into something from & Other Stories' new collaboration with Wool and the Gang. The newly launched collab includes knitted beanies, clutches, scarves and knits, but the stand-out piece for me was this red knit (pictured below). It's my new take on the Christmas jumper. So chic. The thought of getting into something skimpy in minus degrees? Really not feeling it. Here's proof that, yes, you can wear a knit on a night out. Team with a killer pair of trousers that will dress the overall look up - like these little PVC numbers. I've never worn PVC before but already I'm hooked! The straight leg cut mean they are super comfortable and you can actually move in them - perfect for when you've sunk a bottle of wine and ready to (try) and dance.

Wool and the Gang Jumper, £79, PVC Trousers, £195, Ballerina shoes, £69

Outfit 2: If you fancy a bit of Rodarte-esk glitz

So this is how you do a glitz party top and make it chic. Of course the Swedes totally nail cool girl party style. Rouched sleeves and in a shimmer lame; it's best to dress this down with some denim. I recommend the MOM jeans as they have a great high waist you can tuck into and also do wonders for your butt. It's all about mixing your fabrics to ensure your look is balanced.

Pearlescent blouse, £65, Mom jeans £55, Khaki bomber jacket, £95, Ballerina pumps, £69

Outift 3: For when you're going out out

I cannot stop thinking about this skirt. It is THE ultimate party piece and a total steal at £55. We saw tons of statement ruffles sent down the AW16 runway, so what a thrill that they've finally hit the high street - and, boy, they've done good. This skirt speaks for itself so pair back the rest of your look with either knitwear or a printed t-shirt. I decided to team the skirt of dreams with this textured cream jumper, simply because I was totally obsessed with it and has the perfect relaxed feel I'm after. I always think: if you feel comfortable, you look great. With a flash of leg this look is party-ready but just that one notch cooler. If you're a lover of comfort, like me, then brogues are still a huge hit and give it a masculine touch.

Textured knit jumper £69, Ruffle skirt, £55, Brogues, £105, Bag, £69

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There you have it, party dressing... NAILED. 

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Ruffles, Knits and PVC - How I Nailed My Party Vibe

Highstreet, Hygge + Highly Instagrammable – Why & Other Stories Actually Does Live Up To The Hype

& Other Stories' Latest Store Opening On London's Oxford Street

It’s 9.45am on a crisp Friday morning and there’s a line of people snaking around the block on London’s Oxford Street. Queues in London aren’t unusual, every other week you’ll spot a gaggle of sneakerheads camping out for an exclusive line to drop, or fans of a mega YouTuber gathered outside a bookstore for a meet and greet. But this one is different. There’s no mega ‘Black Friday’ discount being offered nor celebrity selfie opportunity. Instead, this crowd, a mix of 20 something women in smart workwear and tourists in puffa jackets gripping red cups from Starbucks are simply, patiently waiting for the latest London edition of & Other Stories to open its doors for the very first time. The Swedish brand, that is owned by the H&M group, has quickly become the hottest store not only the London high-street (the Oxford Street store is their third in the city) but also on European and soon to launch LA streets, giving its sister brands Cos, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday some serious sibling rivalry.

A quick walk around the store and you can see why in this Insta age it works so well. & Other Stories is like the ultimate curated Tumblr/ Pinterest/ Instagram IRL. Similar to how a whole generation of slashies (think someone who describes themselves as a blogger/ brand consultant/ DJ) don’t have one set job, & Other Stories isn’t focused just on the clothing. Walking into any of their stores, feels more like wandering into a cool NY loft apartment – think exposed white brick walls, lighting and piping, plenty of cacti and staff that ask how you are, rather than if you need anything. And then there’s the merchandise. Offering a selection of bags, jewellery, shoes, ready-to-wear and beauty products, you won’t find it all in once section. Instead, in their Oxford Street store you’ll find it spread over three levels, again it feels like rooting around someone’s home, with necklaces layed out in open glass jewellery boxes, bags dotted along wooden shelves, with stacks of filing boxes beneath them and jeans placed next to t-shirts, jumpers and coats meaning you can easily create one full look from rail to rail. Then there’s the entire beauty section, with pristine marbled sinks so you can actually try the product, plus at the checkout areas you’ll find niche coffee table style magazines, the impulse buy fashion equivalent of a bag of Percy Pigs. Petah Marian, a retail editor from trend forecaster WGSN says:  ‘What was interesting about & Other Stories when it launched was the way that it displayed merchandise in a more inspirational way, with products set out as though on a magazine page or Pinterest board. When it launched, this was a new concept, but many other retailers have followed suit. Where they do diverge is that they create more classic products with a twist that while still fitting into trends, and carry from season to season.’

With the high street having a reputation for being able to churn out runway copies faster than a model changing looks backstage, what makes & Other Stories stand out is ability to create its own unique identity while still being totally desirable and most importantly affordable. From brand descriptions (collections are called stories and their design team are based in ateliers in both Paris and Stockholm) to fabrics and even packaging (each paperbag comes stamped with that store’s address) everything looks and feels high-end rather than high-street.

Samuel Fernström, Head of & Other Stories explains the brands aim saying; “Our ambition is to empower women to create their own personal style. We believe that our customer is ageless with a big heart for fashion and wears things that she feels are right for her. Our diversity comes from having influences from both our ateliers in Paris and Stockholm. The Paris style is very bourgeois bohème, Stockholm brings tailored and innovative pieces.’ And it appears that this clever combination really appears to real women of all ages. A couple of minutes after the doors to the Oxford St store open, the contactless card machines start buzzing. I meet Hannah, a twenty something year old who is shopping with her friend Hayley. They explain how they’ve had the opening date penciled in their diary and have taken the morning off of work to be here. ‘I went for this soft grey jumper and a pair of silver hoop earrings,’ Hannah explains proudly pulling them out of the purchased bag. ‘I’ve shopped online from the brand before but I love the whole lifestyle aspect of coming into the store. I definitely would spend more time here, taking photos for my Insta and Snapchat.’ Blogger and mum of two, Erica Davies is also a huge fan, saying it’s her go to for ‘flattering, chic dresses, great knits and their leather goods are amazing, especially for the price.’ Although, she shops a lot online, the former fashion editor explains that when she does hit the pavements she does appreciate a store that make an effort. ‘I want it to have a sense of itself mixed with a lovely feel, rather than just piling merchandise high. Stories have bridged the need to be commercial with a really beautiful shopping experience – the stores are well laid out, plus they are big fans of green plants, which makes it feel more like a boutique.’

Another key part of this creating boutique feel, is the use of smart collaborations with other designers. Dubbed co-labs they’ve created a buzz with both established labels think Rodarte and Clare Vivier and more under the radar names to drop like Sadie Williams and Vika Gazinskaya. Their most recent sees them team up with Wool & the Gang on a collection featuring knitted sweaters and pouches alongside D-I-Y knit kits. Fashion blogger Brittany Bathgate says it’s the combination of all the different aspects that really attracts her to the brand.  ‘I can't think of another retailer when I can walk and buy such a diverse range of things that are all to my taste! I like being able to walk and shop a mix of high and low price items for different aspects of life. The experience also always feels surprising homely.’

With all things Scandi trending and everyone trying to hygee-ify their lives, unsurprisingly the brand is quickly expanding. Next up are two store openings in LA and a highly anticpated launch in Dublin. Situated on Grafton Street, the opening not only offers a much needed fashion boost to the Irish highstreet but also economy. Joolie Coolier, an Irish stylist based in the UK says prior to the news she has been acting as ‘a one woman Deliveroo for every female in my family. The "when are you home next" texts were not in order to ascertain when they would see me but to schedule a purchase from the store that I would then squeeze into my Ryanair carry on.’ Joolie thinks just like Cos, & Other Stories will be warmly welcomed by the Irish fashion crowd. ‘It’s like a taste barometer for everything from what we should be reading to a small mix of specially curated branded footwear that has been given the & Other Stories seal of approval. It is fashion forward without force feeding trends.’ And maybe that’s the ultimate secret of the brand. It’s totally cool, but in no way try-hard.

The & Other Stories Wool and the Gang co-lab launches worldwide on December 1^st.  For more see stories.com

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Want more? Check out what happened when InStyle's junior fashion and beauty stylist headed to & Other Stories for the ultimate party haul

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Highstreet, Hygge + Highly Instagrammable – Why & Other Stories Actually Does Live Up To The Hype

10 Pretty Little Makeup Lies Social Media Tells Us

As a makeup artist, I've dedicated myself to helping others feel their most beautiful. When I choose something as seemingly as simple a foundation for a person, I consider their skin type, color, texture, everyday routine, and the effect they're looking to achieve. An insurmountable amount of love and thought goes into creating a look that is completely tailored to an individual.

As an artist, I also adore social media. It connects me with creative peers, who feed and inspire my personal ingenuity. It also provides me with the platform to share numerous tips and tricks, passing on the knowledge that has been passed onto me. Whether it be Instagram, YouTube, or writing for you gorgeous readers, the social media age has gifted me, and countless others, with the opportunity to spread the love of makeup as far as it can possibly reach.

But with great power comes great responsibility. I'll admit, some of my fellow peers haven't been handling that responsibility with humility and honesty. Some of the techniques and products I see shared on social media give me anxiety. They are either blatantly paid endorsements or incorrect usages of products. These social media lies get perpetuated by artists who have lighting and editing to their full advantage, tricking the viewer into believing that what they see is always the truth. There are many beautiful makeup teachers and artists on Instagram, but certain bad eggs are creating makeup confusion, teaching the untrained eye incorrect techniques, taking aspiring #muas further away from perfecting their craft.

Today we'll bust open the 10 top little lies social media tells us — not to criticize any other artists' work, but rather to make us aware of the opinions we're told as truths.

1) IF YOU USE XYZ PRODUCTS, YOU WILL HAVE THE SAME RESULTS.

I've had dozens of clients bring me pictures of celebrities (mostly the Kardashians, obvs) and say "I want to look just like them!" And no, they didn't mean just the same eyeshadow, blush, and lip tones. They meant that they wanted to bear a resemblance to said celebrity after the makeup application. Which, even with all the highlight and contour, is still impossible. I am not a plastic surgeon. And I shouldn't have to be. I'm there to play up YOUR beautiful features, not shadow someone else's.

Say that celebrity has a round face and you have a square one, even the same exact products in the same exact places using the same exact techniques will still create a drastically different result. That celebrity's look won't flatter everyone's facial structure, and a look that is amazing on you won't flatter the celebrity. Same works for YouTubers. I love NikkiTutorials looks, but she has all the lid space in the world. If I tried to recreate her eye creations with everything she lists in her Instagram bio, my hooded and downturned eyes would still look vastly different. Don't expect the same exact results just because you're using the same exact products.

2) YOU NEED HIGHLIGHT AND CONTOUR ALWAYS.

Some people have natural highlight and contour. It's called bone structure. Should these people be highlighting and contouring for everyday? Not at all, it's a waste of time. Should they use it to enhance what they have when taking pictures so they don't look flat? Yea, if they want!

Even if you don't have a lot of natural shadow, you still don't need to highlight and contour every single day. Using an illuminating primer might just be enough to catch a little light and draw attention to your beautiful features. Even blush placement can impact how the facial structure appears (i.e. draping). Heck, I'm a makeup addict and I rarely wear matte highlight because it doesn't really have a dramatic effect on my skin tone. Ignore those crazily tiger-striped self-titled #muas (if you want) and just do the pieces that matter to you!

3) BEAUTY BLENDERS ARE THE ONLY TOOLS OF THE MASTERS (OH YEA, AND YOU SHOULD USE THEM DRY).

Beauty Blenders are amazing! They're great if you want a dewy, natural finish to your makeup. They were initially created to mimic the effect of airbrush machines on sets where it was difficult to touch-up without dragging the whole machine with you. And, accordingly, they create a softer finish, more appropriate for camera work. Are they best/easiest/most economically friendly for everyone? Certainly not. I personally prefer brushes.

With my brush, I have a bit more control over where I can apply the most coverage. Plus, it costs less money. I bought my first set of brushes over 10 years ago. I took good care of them and they're still a part of my everyday routine. Real Beauty Blenders should be replaced about every three months. should be washed everyday, and should be kept in a dry, room temperature area.

Beauty Blenders give fantastic results, but they aren't always the best option for every foundation and every person. Ps — if you do choose to use a Beauty Blender, it should always be used wet, unless your foundation doesn't contain water. In that case, if you use the Beauty Blender wet, you can mess with the formula of the foundation, causing it to oxidize, break apart, etc. Also, contrary to popular belief, the Beauty Blender won't actually eat your foundation. If you're using it properly, you can cut it open before you're about to toss it and see that the inside of the sponge remains squeaky clean.

4) BAKING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE.

Let's leave the baking to the adorable pastry chefs on the Great British Bake Off, k? Baking can be great if you're super oily and some parts of your makeup tend to slip and slide throughout the day, but only when used in moderation. Baking on dry skin causes that skin to become even more dry. That's when cake-iness and texture can happen. I'm the oiliest person that I've ever met (which is saying a lot because I've worked on thousands of faces at this point), and I only bake right around my nostrils and sometimes on my forehead. I don't know about you, but I certainly can't afford to put a whole package of Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder on one small area of my face, only to wipe it away seconds later. Baking is great for your tummy, but not always great for your face.

5) YOU SHOULD PUT OIL ON YOUR LIPS BEFORE YOU APPLY A MATTE LIPSTICK.

This baffles me. The enemy of all liquid lipstick is oil. Your liquid lipstick will probably stay on through messy drinks at a club on a Saturday night and the following hungover Sunday, but cannot withstand the oil from a fried chicken wing. So why would you put on the oil before?! By all means, please hydrate your lips before applying a matte product. It's necessary to prevent lips from looking like a mummy that has just risen from the grave after several centuries. But use a balm. Use a mask. Don't use oil. Your lip will be gone five seconds after you film your cute snapchat "Get Ready With Me" video.

6) EVERY LOOK NEEDS A WING.

Now this makeup lie was something that I personally believed for ten years of my life. I have tiny hooded eyes that are asymmetrical and downturned. When I first started working as a makeup artist, I'd have fights with my mentors who insisted that I could wear a smokey eye without a wing. But, after a year of makeup experimentation, I found out they were right. It's possible to make the eye look bigger by just the use of shadow placement alone. Wings can throw certain looks off balance. They're great to open up a naturally contoured eye for someone whose lid is a bit smaller, but they can cause a darker, blown-out smokey eye to look too heavy. They can take away from the flow or the feel of an eye look.

7) THIS (FILL IN THE BLANK) FOUNDATION IS THE BEST FOUNDATION EVER!

Of course, some foundations are better than others. But everybody's skin is different. Which means, the same foundation will react differently on every single type of skin. Foundations are extremely dependent on who's wearing them. If your favorite YouTuber has perfectly blemish-free, dry skin and is wearing Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, which is more luminous and dewy with a light to medium coverage, it will look significantly different on you if you have naturally oily skin with acne scarring and the occasional pimple (like yours truly).

Don't purchase a foundation solely based on how many Instagram videos you have seen it in or your best friend's review who has drastically different skin than your own. If you're not sure which to buy, do some research on coverage and finish, or ask someone for assistance in a store. Get something that's perfectly tailored to you!

8) ILLUMINATOR MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER.

Illuminator is fantastic. I personally have a bit of an addiction to it. But what you don't see in YouTube videos is the actual texture of the skin and the wear of the look throughout the day. When you have dry skin, you can use Illuminator liberally. When you have oily skin, however, you should be careful where your strobe. By putting something shiny on the face's hotspots, you're mimicking the look of hydration.

When your natural oils come through, that look will be amplified, leaving you a complete oil slick. Illuminator also draws the eye (hello shiny)! This means, if you have any texture on your skin that you're trying to conceal, the light-reflecting Illuminator will just amplify the the pits and the peaks. Illuminator is fantastic, but it's meant to be used very strategically.

9) PRIMER IS WHAT MAKES YOUR SKIN SMOOTH UNDER FOUNDATION.

Primers are great and do a lot of hard work, but skincare is actually where it's at. If you don't clean and hydrate your skin before applying makeup, anything that follows after, even a primer, won't be able to do its job properly. Any dirt or oil that has adhered to your skin overnight can emulsify your makeup and break it up from the inside out. If your skin is dry and you skip moisturizer, your skin will drink up the moisture from your foundation throughout the day, leaving the surface of your skin patchy and flaky. Primers are great for adding a boost of hydration, glow, color correction, or mattified texture to your skin, but the skincare is what truly does the heavy lifting.

10) NATURAL MEANS IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN.

Natural just means it's natural. It means the ingredients are generally plant and mineral based rather than created synthetic chemicals in a lab. However, this doesn't mean the products are free of parabens and phthalates, which tend to be the big no-no's in the health-conscious cosmetic industry. You can still have an allergy to a plant-based ingredient the same way you can have an allergy to a synthetic ingredient. Natural brands are amazing, but if you have super sensitive skin, you may still have an allergy towards them as well.

Now if you want to continue baking every day or using oil before your matte lipstick, great! #makeupequalityforall. But at least now, you can know before you go.  

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This article first appeared on xoVain.com then InStyle.com.
 

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10 Pretty Little Makeup Lies Social Media Tells Us

Who Is Melania Trump Anyway? 11 Things You Need To Know

that frog face, though… *swoon*

With the terrifying news that reality TV star and multi-billionaire Donald Trump is the future president of the United States of America, beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, we take a look at the FLOTUS-to-be.

After introduced herself to the world (in a speech suspiciously similar to that of Michelle Obama in 2008), meet his wife, Melania Trump.

1. She’s from Slovenia

Originally known as Melanija Knavs, and then Melania Knauss (best drop that extra ‘j’ and change your surname so as not to confuse those Americans, right?), she grew up in the small industrial town of Sevnica in an eight-story building in what was then communist former-Yugoslavia. Her father was a car dealer and her mother worked in a textile factory, so humble beginnings compared to her current life.

2. She’s only 45

That’s 24 years younger than her husband. Still, we can see why she married him: good looks, great hair, staunch feminist, excellent views on immigration. Oh, hang on… She actually recently claimed that she was attracted to him for ‘his mind. His amazing mind’. Nothing to do with all that money, then?

3. She’s Trump’s third wife

Melania married Donald Trump in 2005. He has previous marriages with the Czech model Ivana Trump and American actress Marla Maples. So only one of his wives isn’t an immigrant? Hmmm...

4. She is a former model

Melania started modelling at the age of 16. Her career took her to Milan and Paris but she moved to New York in 1996 where she was to meet her future husband. He is said to have asked for her phone number at a party in Manhattan.

5. She has appeared on the covers of many well-known magazines

She’s also worked with renowned photographers Helmut Newton, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier.

6. She and Trump have a son together

Barron, Donald Trump’s fifth child (he has three children from his marriage to Ivana, and one from Marla) was born in 2006, just over a year after the couple got married. Shortly before he was born, Melania was photographed for Vogue in a gold bikini on the steps of Trump’s private jet. Classy.

7. She looks great in bodycon

Never underestimate the importance of the first lady to rock a good dress. You’d think that civilisation had moved on further than to judge the wife of a potential world leader merely on her appearance, but sadly not. Three words: Michelle Obama’s arms.

8. She doesn’t need a nanny

Woah! She does all that mom stuff all by herself! She doesn’t cook though; she has a personal chef for that #priorities

9. She speaks 5 languages

English, French, Serbian, German and her native Slovenian. She also took a degree in design and architecture, so is clearly a clever lady.

10. She has great hair

See point 7

11. She knows the secret to a happy marriage

Apparently it is this: separate bathrooms. So she never has to hear Donald, err, trump.

Read More: Donald Trump's net worth is 13 figures?!

29 Donald Trump quotes you won't believe anyone said ever

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What do celebrities think about Donald Trump?

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Who Is Melania Trump Anyway? 11 Things You Need To Know

12 Times K-Middy Was Just A 'Normal' Mum

Kate Middleton got a load of curveballs thrown at her on the latest Royal Tour — about the children, which must be pretty whack when you've had to leave them at home, and losing her baby weight.

Kudos to her to chilled and pretty darned elegant reactions to the questions — and actually, to her outlook on life in general. It must be a pretty weird scenario to find your self in… You can’t put a cork wedged foot ‘wrong’ without the world talking about it, but she handles it pretty excellently. 

And it seems William appreciates how great Kate is. In an interview with Talk Vietnam, the Duke Of Cambridge said: 'Well, as the other parents in the room will testify, there’s wonderful highs and there’s wonderful lows. It’s been quite a change for me, personally [...] I’m very lucky in the support I have from Catherine. She is an amazing mother and a fantastic wife.' Cu-ute.

Here’s Kate's cutest ‘normal mum’ moments…

1)   She was asked on the Royal Tour why they hadn’t brought Prince George and she answered: ‘Because George is too naughty […] He would be running all over the place. The next time we come we will definitely bring them.’ After those cute Canada pics, we can’t WAIT for that… And little Charlotte too! Ahh.

2)   Some absolute rogue asked Kate how she lost ‘all the weight after having two kids’ – not an easy question to answer, especially for a Duchess. She kept cool as a cucumber and said: ‘'I am running after my kids!’. Well handled, Kate.

3)   That time she took the pictures for the Christmas card — not a legit famous photographer (like all the other times) but her, putting into practice her interest in photography.

4)   Her and William do actually seem mega happy. Not only smiling when she’s at engagements but they have those cute little ‘candid’ moments too. (#RelationshipGoals... Check out their cutest couple moments.)

5)   Kate’s relationship with the Queen seems pretty cute too – based on respect and admiration (as all grandmother-in-law relationships should be, especially if they happen to be the Queen).

6)   That one time she wore a Breton top (one time, ha!) and chased George down a hill.

7)   Their cute #FamilyGoals ski trip snaps.

8) At the opening of Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace, she hung out with some children at the medieval-themed playground telling them to 'just call [her] Kate', and that George 'would have loved' the plastic dragon. Cute. Hands down the best revelation of the day was about the new-gen Royal Fam's pet hamster! A child who she spoke to told People she 'said she had a hamster, and Charlotte really likes it because the whiskers always tickle her face.' We can't even.

9) That time Kate and Will's nicknames for each other was revealed at the Chelsea Flower Show. They were spotted walked and talking between the gardens calling each other 'darling'. (We were really hoping for 'bae' but you can't have everything.)

10) When she revealed Prince George's fav day out was to the Natural History as he's a big dinosaur fan and especially likes the 3D sculptures.

11) When Prince George had a tantrum at the Royal International Air Tattoo, and the only way to make him happy was to give him a pair of headphones to play with.

 

12) Welcoming Team GB home for their heroes parade, Kate Middleton told Natasha Baker (triple equestrian gold medallist) that Prince George loves fencing, ‘I think that’s because of the face shields’, and that Princess Charlotte would have been ‘running riot’ if she’d been in attendance. As for Charlotte’s favourite sport, it’s something she shares with her Gan-Gan. Natasha said ‘I asked her how the children were, and she said Charlotte is really enjoying her riding — which is great to hear. She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses and although she doesn’t echo it, she’ll do her best to champion and encourage it.’

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are meeting #Rio2016 @TeamGB & @ParalympicsGB at the #GBHeroesLDN reception. http://pic.twitter.com/VRUjHHyebC

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016

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And see the cutest Royal Family Picture Album...

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12 Times K-Middy Was Just A 'Normal' Mum

You'll Never Guess The One Gift Chrissy Teigen Gives John Legend Every Christmas

John Legend is the ultimate gift giver. I mean, it’s not even Christmas yet and he’s already immortalised his wife and daughter in the music video for his latest hit, “Love Me Now.”

Legend sets the bar pretty high. Finding the perfect gift for your S.O. is hard enough as is, but being married to the most romantic man alive presents an added challenge. We can’t imagine the anxiety Chrissy Teigen feels when it’s time to pick a gift for Valentine’s Day—she'd better start planning now.

V-day aside, when Christmas comes around, Teigen has a plan. The model admitted to CNN that she gives her husband the same gift every year: "I get him a suede man bag every year that he looks forward to because he uses it every single day for that year.” Brilliant. "There's nothing he looks forward to more than that bag."

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Article courtesy of Isabel Jones at InStyle.com

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You'll Never Guess The One Gift Chrissy Teigen Gives John Legend Every Christmas

How To Detox, Stat, After A Weekend Of Overindulging

Endless pumpkin pie, an abundance of turkey, and a weekend full of cocktails was everything we wanted and more this Thanksgiving, but now that dreaded Monday morning has hit and we’re back at the office, the holiday weekend bliss has rapidly disappeared and we find ourselves feeling less than satisfied with our weekend of overindulging. To get ourselves back on track and feeling that inner glow, we tapped wellness experts Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise, founders of famed organic food delivery program Sakara Life, for easy tips on how to get back on the healthy eating bandwagon.

“The less time you spend reveling in guilt, the quicker and easier it will be to start re-focusing on getting the good things into your body,” Tingle and DuBoise tell InStyle. “Plus, stressing out spikes the level of cortisol in your body, which slows metabolism and increases the body’s propensity to store belly fat.”

Instead, remember that there is no wagon to fall off of. “Life is a journey full of ebbs and flows, healthy days, great workout classes, delicious after-work cocktails, and occasional late-night pizza that just feels so good. Let go of the guilt and use that energy toward action that will help you get back to feeling great, like preparing healthy meals, getting back into your exercise routine or recommitting to a daily meditation practice.”

Start these steps below now and begin to feel better by lunchtime:

1. Aim to eat at least five cups of fresh, organic greens each day.

2. Load up on probiotics—either a high-quality supplement or fermented foods and beverages like kimchi and kombucha—to help bring your gut microbiome back into balance.

3. Eat your water! It’s an even more efficient, powerful way to hydrate than just drinking water. Eat plenty of water-rich plants, like cucumbers, greens, and melon to help regulate digestion and reverse bloat. On Day 1, your focus should be heavily on hydration. If you had a little too much champagne and pecan pie over the holiday, you’ll probably be craving caffeine and sugary snacks, but try to stay away from them. Reach for a detox tea or mineral water instead. When lunchtime rolls around, look for fruits and veggies that are high in water content, so that you can continue to hydrate those cells.

4. Sip on a digestive tea. [Sakara's] new blend (£16.05; sakara.com) contains bitter herbs that help activate the liver, which will not only support your body in getting rid of toxins, but also stimulate your digestive system (which might be running a little slower given the holiday binge!). Best drank on an empty stomach!

5. Take deep belly breaths to relieve stress, lower cortisol (the stress hormone that can cause you to hold onto fat), and support digestion.

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Article courtesy of Kim Peiffer at InStyle.com

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How To Detox, Stat, After A Weekend Of Overindulging

Bore Off LBD: The ALT Girls Guide To Party Dressing

How to make the boys wink and the girls green with envy...

Christmas is truly only about one thing… getting dressed to the nines, getting rather tipsy on mulled wine and subsequently doing something that will haunt you well into the New Year. That’s the true meaning of Christmas, so one should prepare themselves accordingly.

How To Be A Slag Without The Tag

The slag is back, but being sartorially suggestive is a mistletoe minefield. With questionable styling you can easily catapult your look into ‘an extra from a dodgy ITV Be reality show’ territory. Be more ITV1 darling by making sure your cut-outs are classy for starters.

The body forming dress with cut out panels has had a long and troubled history. Liz Hurley had to resort to safety pins to keep hers together and Kim Kardashians trades on them as if they were a currency. However Proenza Schouler showed us how sophisticated a fine knit dress with selective cut out panels can be, especially when placed over trousers.

When approaching this item as a humble human being look at your body objectively and ask yourself, ‘what it is your best asset?’ One single panel missing around the cleavage, the hip or the waist is enough exposure for one night and a floral version which isn’t fully form fitting can be infinitely classier. Topshop’s take is basically the sartorial alternative to carrying around mistletoe with one lonely suggestive key hole cut out.

Reveal And Conceal (from left): Erdem, Proenza Schouler and Fendi

If one is keen to play down one’s slaggy side one can take a pressed flower out of Erdem’s book by being as shy with sheer as you like. Subtle sheer panels here and there are the elegant way to flirt but if you want everyone to know what you are after go full length with some big Bridget Jones knickers for modesty’s sake.

Also, in a dressing development which will be welcomed by many a Coronation Street barmaid the mini is having maximum inpact right now. Filles A Papa’s zebra mini WITH zippable split will certainly get tongues wagging on the cobbled streets.

Footwear says a lot about a person too, take Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, for instance. Those over the knee boots gave her iconic status and they have the power to do so for you this party season too. Step forward the ‘Bum Grazer Boot.’ Said boot, from the likes of Kurt Geiger, travels higher north than previous incarnations but can cause chaffing around certain regions. Fendi’s take is a full on peel on, peel off affair, thus arguably better for contraception than actual birth control.

Such a boot can be problematic, too, if you find yourself doing the stride of pride. The walk of shame is a highly unfeminist tag, if you got lucky OWN IT. So say goodbye to dodgy fold up shoes that fit in your handbag in the process and even if walking in said boots is causing a level of pain akin to childbirth power through like the independent woman you are.

With a few tweaks here and there you can play the slag without getting the tag. Boys will fall at your feet and girls will not judge from the corner, meet the new subtle slag who everyone wants to be.

The Christmas Party Essentials: Dress, £49.99, H&M; Mini Skirt, £465, Filles A Papa at FarFetch.com; Boots, £79.20, Miss KG, Jumpsuit, Topshop

How To Look Classy, Not Jazzy

In my (not so) humble opinion there is nothing wrong with looking like a walking talking bauble. But if being sassy in sequins isn’t your thing (shame on you!) there are other options (I am eye rolling you right now.)

The first fabric to call upon is OTM velvet. Loved by Wednesday Adams and her family alike, a midnight blue velvet slip dress is a nice update on the LBD- which I am renaming the lacklustre boring dress. It’s just so DONE. Do you want to be compared to boring Francis from Finance who has dragged out another LBD because Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s is her ‘everything inspiration’? NO! Then skip down to New Look who have the perfect high street hunny for you.

Another way to bypass Francis’s basicness is to spin vinyl into the mix. Break up run of the mill textures with a Matrix worthy box jacket. Its wipe clean too- practical, much! Add a red vinyl trouser a-la Isabel Marant for a Mrs Claus meets Dominatrix dress code. That’s what I call whipping the basics into shape.

However, if you wish to sing from the basic hymn sheet then take full advantage of the one time of year where it’s ok to wear more sequins than a late 1980s Cher, by fashioning yourself into a head to toe glitter ball. The humble high street has more sequins on the shop floor right now than are in Shirley Bassey’s closet with the likes of Very serving up the snazziest of glittery dresses and ASOS are even flogging sequin knee high boots. Just throw a shearling coat over them for the ultimate fabric clash, a-la Preen.

Alternatively you could even shake your tail feather in Christopher Kane’s feather trimmed black dresses. Just go forth and in the immortal words of Tess and Claudia, ‘keep dancing!’

Wear More Sequins Than 1980s Cher (from left): Christopher Kane; Dress, £30, V by Very; Jacket, Mango; Ankle boots, £140, Kurt Geiger

Work On Your Lines

Yes, working on your chat up lines can affect how ‘successful’ your Christmas party season is but monitoring the lines of your body will be equally helpful.

Any ensemble requires smooth lines and even a size 10 lady can require support underwear to make sure a garments shape isn’t ruined by one’s body. Let’s be honest here, as we are in a safe place, we will all be eating too many mince pies so why wouldn’t you invest in the best underwear? Its cheaper than joining the gym anyway and may involve less sweat too.

Reveal and conceal can go a long way, put the tit into titillation by braving a bra under a tuxedo suit, it’s very Saint Laurent.

Alternatively, at the risk of sounding like Gok Wan circa 2006 cinching in your waist with a belt is great for giving you shape and it’s very now. After all, if styling everything from coats to skirts with thick corset inspired waist belts is good enough for Mrs Prada it’s certainly good enough for your office soiree. So go on, get waisted!  DISCLAIMER: we do not condone excessive consumption of waist belts, use responsibly.

Styling Hacks: The neo corset, &Other Stories; Vinyl mini, Mango; Hoodie and dress, Urban Outfitters; Jacket, Saint Laurent

Style with Stamina

The soiree season is a marathon not a sprint and your diary is probably spilling over with commitments already. Everyone will be saying to you, ‘I must see you before the break, babes!’ as if the planet is going to suddenly end as 2017 strikes. In such testing times your OOTDs will inevitably end up becoming ROOTDS, that’s recycled outfit of the day- how Kate Middleton of you.

A girl has to be resourceful in this situation. The nice nineties trick of teaming a tee with literally everything can breathe new life into a dress and also give the whole, ‘this old thing’ impression. AKA the tried and tested trick used by the ‘norm core party gal’ who will also be negating the over used biker jacket in favour of a haute hoodie this Christmas. Such a thing is available in a fetching tone of mustard, in velvet at ASOS.

Alternatively, just like Christina Milian you can take your dress from AM TO PM by simply slashing a skirt or dress to a different hem length as you move from one night’s commitment to the next. It’s two dresses for the price of one, you can’t compete with maths like that. If make do and mend is your thing fraying the leg lengths of a trusty old pair of jeans can have a similar effect.

A Girl Has Got To Be Resourceful (from left): Net some fish like AF Vandevorst, get waisted like Prada or update your hoisery a-la NO.21.

Not ready to get Blue Peter on your wardrobe? Then luckily for you hosiery is staging a come back after NO.21’s embellished versions added some polish to their grunge party girl. If you are indeed K-Mid you may think, ‘have tights (mostly of the nude variety) ever disappeared?’ Well they should have but at least you can pretend you knew now.

At the hands of AF Vandervorst fish nets are also experiencing a reformation in fashion ATM and are also loved by lusty boys eternally- so you have double the reason to justify using them to sexify even the most conservative of dresses (in case you are listening your Royal Highness).

The humble sock can also distract from outfits even making their hundredth Instagram appearance after taking a star turn at Vetements. Kick the sock into shape with the hiking boot, as showcased by Louis Vuitton, they are perfect for trekking long distances and diversifying dresses.

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Live by the likes, die by the likes people!

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Bore Off LBD: The ALT Girls Guide To Party Dressing

The Millennial's Guide To Dealing With Anxiety At Work

(The dream...)

Instagram/The 9to5 Foodie

There’s no denying it, we millennials work hard… In fact, we work arguably too hard. From the minute your alarm goes off until you go to bed, Monday to Sunday, there's a pressure to be on call, whether it's answering emails or Instagramming your life.

Gone are the days when your day job was, well, a 'day job'. Our careers are now often so intricately intertwined into our everyday lives that it’s often hard to draw a line between them. Even if you really do love your job and honestly don’t mind replying to emails at 3am, there is no denying that work anxiety can get the better of all of us sometimes.

It happens (to more people than actually admit it)... That dreaded feeling creeps up and you start panicking, your mind gets overwhelmingly full and fuzzy, and you can’t even work out how to start dealing with it — let alone have any hope of being productive at work.

Sound familiar? Here are 5 tips on how to not only overcome the dreaded ‘panic’ mode, but also how to minimise the chances of it coming up again...

1. Breathe

I know this sounds far too simple, but it is hands down one of the best ways of bringing yourself back down when anxiety has taken hold.

Tip: The moment you feel stressed, close your eyes, place you hands on your belly and inhale deeply through your nose and into your stomach for four counts, then exhale slowly back out of your nose for six counts. Repeat for as long as you need to, and extend the inhale and exhale periods as you start to relax.

2. Decaffeinate

Most commonly used as a quick pick-me-up, caffeine actually stimulates the production of cortisol, more commonly known as the stress hormone. Therefore when you are tired, low or stressed and reach for a coffee for that ‘kick’, you are actually encouraging your body to produce more stress-inducing hormones, which will most definitely not help your work anxiety!

Not only should you avoid caffeine when feeling stressed or anxious, but looking to minimise it in your daily diet will also help improve your sleep, energy levels and digestion.

Tip: Swap for ginger tea, ginseng tea or just a good old glass of water for a natural pick-me-up.

3. Disconnect

Although work phones and laptops have given us freedom to experience a new way of flexible working, it has also brought with it a whole host of new problems — mainly the inability to switch off from work.

This constant expectation to be ‘on call’ means that the stresses of work does not end when you leave the office, fuelling the feelings of work anxiety as you continue to ‘work’ well past your clock off time.

Tip: Be strict with yourself. Turn your work phone off when you leave the office and at the weekends, and don’t turn it on again until you are on your commute back in. If this isn’t feasible then set yourself a deadline such as turning your phone off by 8pm or making the bedroom a ‘phone free’ zone to give yourself a break from the emails. Using it for alarm isn't an excuse, just buy a clock!

4. Try Something New

When we are going through a stressful period at work, the first thing which usually get’s pushed aside are our out of work activities such as exercise or seeing friends. This makes matters so much worse as not only is work stressful, but it has suddenly become your life as you don’t have anything left to take your mind off it.

Tip: Taking up something new, such as baking or a new exercise class. Committing to doing it regularly will immediately help rebalance you work/life balance and also get you doing something just for you. Making plans during the week that you commit to not cancelling will force you to leave the office and then help to put your work stresses into perspective as you start to reprioritise your life outside of the office.

5. Eat Yourself Calm

Food has a huge effect on our mind and stress levels. Eating lots of high sugar foods and caffeine will pump adrenaline through the body, even if it’s natural sugars, and this will increase the likelihood of your anxiety.

Tip: If you start feeling particularly anxious or stressed, you should look at incorporating ‘grounding’ foods into all of your meals. This concept comes from traditional Chinese medicine that each food has a unique energy that can affect your body, either ‘grounding’ or ‘elevating’ you. Key foods to help ground you are root vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, beetroot, ginger) and high quality protein (eggs, nuts, organic meats).

(Follow Lucie Lemay on Facebook and Instagram, and check out her website for recipes and 'inspiration and tips for simple healthy living in today's busy world'. All pictures are from Lucie Lemay/Instagram.)

More from Lucie Lemay...

12 Health Foods That Aren't Actually As Good For You As You Thought

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6 Healthy Al Desko Breakfasts To See You Through The Working Week

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The Millennial's Guide To Dealing With Anxiety At Work

See Bella Hadid Hit The Gym Before Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Bella Hadid worked hard 365 days this year so she could slay hard on one very important day this December.

The younger Hadid sister even worked out on Thanksgiving so she could be in her best shape ever for The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show taking place tomorrow in Paris but airing on December 5. The beautiful brunette took to Instagram to show off her rock hard abs and lithe body on national turkey day as inspiration to stay dedicated.

"Had to get my workout in this morning at @gothamgym before [food emojis] happy thanksgiving everyone...," she captioned the pic. Hadid was hardly alone on her prep before her big VS debut. Many fellow models took to social media to show off how they are staying fit and decompressing before the show.

Angel Adriana Lima posted an Instagram looking sweaty and strong at the gym with a friend. "This AM at gym with my fave girl @caro_suki #TEAMLIMA" she wrote.

Lily Aldridge posted a gorgeous photo from last year's show, with an excited caption that counted down the days.

And of course there were plenty of posts on Instagram from the VS plane to Paris. Hadid and pals Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls, and Lily Donaldson waved French flags and held up a mini Eiffel Tower. Or check out Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes posing pretty for the camera, and Taylor Hill flashing the peace sign.

You can watch this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS on December 5.

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Article courtesy of Laura Rose at InStyle.com

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See Bella Hadid Hit The Gym Before Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Should You Really Start Getting Botox When You're Younger?

Don't believe the hype—or at the very least, rethink the way you see the hype. When it comes to determining how soon one should start investing in Botox, general whispers in the dermatology and medi-spa realms usually suggest that earlier is better. The idea is a preventative measure, allowing you to treat forehead wrinkles before they form or get too deep, and over time, the muscle that creates said wrinkles eventually gets weaker. While injecting a few units can freeze your forehead for roughly 3 to 4 months, doing so too early can actually have the adverse effect. "You can actually start Botox too young, and depending on how you're thinking of it, it isn't always a good thing," says skincare specialist Lisa Goodman, PA, of GoodSkin in Los Angeles. "To me, it's not so much about treating your wrinkles when you're young as it is about retraining the muscles that are out of function and won't allow you to keep your look over time. Instead of making your brows lower, if you're going to use Botox, go with the viewpoint of making the weak muscles stronger, and maintaining a more even, structured appearance." For example, if one eyebrow tends to arch more than the other, she would adjust the dosage appropriately so that muscles that are out of function catch up to the ones that are. Goodman tells us that the face is comprised of a series of up and down muscles, which function exactly as their names suggest—some muscles act in an upward motion, while others act in a downward motion. Your forehead is an up muscle, and when it isn't moving, your down muscle around the cent of your brows and your eyes starts to take over, often resulting in a lower appearance around the eyes. "When one muscle doesn't move, the dominant reaction will take over, so when you're squinting in the sun, your arches become flatter and it makes your lids a little heavier," she explains. Although she isn't knocking the idea of doing these treatments as a preventative measure, she urges readers to be realistic as far as what they may or may not need, find a practitioner who aligns with their personal philosophy, and not to succumb to social media-driven pressures of quick results. Above all, a consultation with a practitioner who will analyse the way your muscles behave, especially which ones fire up and down, and which areas are weaker or stronger than others, is the most important.

According to Goodman, it isn't the wrinkles that give off an older-looking appearance—it's the toll gravity takes on your face, so instead of focusing on freezing every muscle so as to not cause wrinkles, she advises aiming to re-train your muscles so that they stay lifted. It was after training with doctors in Europe and shifting her viewpoint of how fillers and Botox are sold in America was when she began doing things differently. "At a young age, you're marketed Botox for wrinkles, and Filler for lines, and that's what people go into an office thinking they need. When you're young, you typically form wrinkles in your forehead first, and you're told the sooner you do it, the less you have, but it isn't always preventative," she explains. "In Europe, wrinkles aren't as much of a focus, and it actually looks more strange to be 50 with no wrinkles, as opposed to a few expression lines. Instead, Botox and fillers are used to keep your face more structured and lifted, because it's the face falling that ends up making you look more tired." Filler, Goodman says, is used in a similar way to uphold the structure of your face, rather than filling in existing lines. By completely freezing one area and allowing the down muscles of another to become dominant, you can actually make yourself age in another way faster. Instead, Goodman advises going in with the goal of maintaining your structure, keeping things even, and having your practitioner tailor the muscles that are pulling things down. "Your body has to get used to a different function and turn it off, so even if you do it once and never do it again, it's better than nothing," she tells us. "You still look like yourself, you can make expressions, and your features stay more lifted and even over time. If you're going to spend money on these treatments, you should make sure they have a longer-lasting investment, and lift is a longer-lasting investment."

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Article courtesy of Marianne Mychaskiw at InStyle.com

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Should You Really Start Getting Botox When You're Younger?

Niall Horan Says One Direction Will Reunite

Ready for this One Direction fans? Member Niall Horan (he's the Irish one with the sky blue eyes) sent everybody in a tizzy when he speculated that the boy band would get back together. 

The iconic British music group may have parted ways in January, but Horan told Sunday People that a reunion is possible—even likely. "We will back. We would be silly not to... ridiculous," he said. We couldn't agree more. Fans were absolutely heartbroken when former 1D member Zayn left the band without warning and there was massive global uproar when the X Factor foursome officially called it quits. Horan said that for now, the boys are all enjoying their time off and nowhere is that more evident than on their Instagram accounts.

Liam Payne has spent his time off recording new music, possibly dating Cheryl Ann Fernandez-Versini, and working on his well muscled physique.

Read more: One Direction — Growing Up

During his time off from 1D, Harry Styles has graced the cover of Another Man magazine where he was interviewed by fellow British star Paul McCartney and has a featured role in Christopher Nolan's much anticipated film, Dunkirk.

Bandmate Louis Tomlinson welcomed a son and has been living in Los Angeles, meanwhile Horan has released his own single, "This Town" which has seen success on the charts. Not only that, he has really integrated himself in the golf world.

And last but not least, Zayn Malik has released hit singles and was most recently crowned GQ's best dressed man.

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Article courtesy of Laura Rose at InStyle.com

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Niall Horan Says One Direction Will Reunite

What's The Deal With Microcurrent Facials?

Believe the hype—with the ability to tighten and tone your facial muscles, microcurrent facials are the beauty equivalent of a personal trainer, lifting your overall structure and amping up your glow factor. "The treatment essentially reprograms your muscles back into shape, uplifting and toning your facial contours," explains skincare expert Ildi Pekar, who does many microcurrent treatments on both the face and body at her spa. "It uses micro electrical currents to stimulate your facial muscles by shortening and strengthening the muscle, so the lifting and tightening becomes visible." Because the skin on our faces is connected to muscle, the current, which gets carried through a set of metal spheres, reaches those deeper levels to keep everything firm. It also helps to reduce puffiness by stimulating lymphatic drainage, removes stored toxins, and increases blood flow. At Pekar's spa, she begins each treatment by first cleansing and exfoliating, then works the microcurrent tool over specific areas. "We work on reducing and softening the deepest wrinkles, darkness, and puffiness, but we are also able to penetrate products deeper into the skin," she says. "It's great for all skin types, and it's cumulative, so the more you do it, the better it is."

Pekar claims you'll see immediate results after your very first treatment, and it can be done once a week for an entire month if there are problem areas you want to address. After the initial round, you can opt for a monthly maintenance treatment if your skin requires it. Under the surface, your elastin fibres will grow in length, and more collagen will be produced, effectively filling in any stubborn lines. The NuFace Facial Toning Device (£240, Current Body) is a comparable at-home device if you want to keep things in check post-treatment, or want to take a baby step toward the in-office version. "The microcurrent level of the NuFace is identical to the in-office treatment," says NuFace CEO and Co-Founder Tera Peterson. "The innovative technology targets muscle below the skin, so it is universally effective, and all skin types will benefit." Peterson advises going by a 60-day timeline, treating your skin once a day for five days out of a week, and once you've reached the 60-day mark, you can do every other day for maintenance. Start by washing your face, then apply the conducting gel all over. Once your device is ready, work the rounded ball attachment over your facial contours to lift your brows, cheekbones, and jawline. "If used consistently, once daily is enough to achieve your desired results," she adds. "Over the 60-day period, 85% of users saw improved facial contour, 80% reported smoother skin, and 77% thought their skin looked more toned."

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Article courtesy of Marianne Mychaskiw at InStyle.com

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What's The Deal With Microcurrent Facials?