Fashion and Beauty.
Fashion and Beauty; two things from within? Not where this is concerned. This is the first entry to this section so I’m going to therefore give you a roundup of what to expect from spring/summer 09. I’m not going to bore you with the catwalk collections; instead I will tell you what you need and where you need to go to get it. If there is anything you want to know about or where to buy, please email me at ca91@canterbury.ac.uk.

Colours
This season is bang on cobalt blue (not my personal fave) but doing it in tops, shirts and dresses, if this colour works for you and you want to be on key, then go for it. Hopefully we are in for a sunny season as the colours are bright; dresses in orange, coral and pinks are hot. If you are after something in one of these bright shades then River Island are hot on it, and we know anything they make in one colour soon follows in every other. If you’d prefer something for everyday, then why not a brightly coloured bag – this is an easy and effective way to summer up your wardrobe. Oasis have a range of Hermes’ alike (as much ‘alike’ as you can) bags, that are patent and come in colours such as purple and orange, they are priced £35. The key with the bags is statement –the bigger the better, primary colours and something chunky, like a zip, stud, chain detail. Do it do it do it.

Trends
The trend of the season is somehow surfacing as the Navy nautical trend, that we have seen popping up a few times. Let’s hope we do it right this time. The trick is quality not quantity. You only need one key item to pull this off, which also means no excuses as you can find items for as little a £5. New look have a wide range of accessories, such as a beautiful red and gold nautical bangle, £5, or an amazing pair (couldn’t believe they were new look) of platform, red blue and white, just £30, look amazing with a pair of skinnies. The great thing about this trend is even a neck scarf or a simple stripy T will do. This also ties nicely with the grotesquely patriotic Union Jack trend; did Geri Halliwel not kill this years ago? Anyway, the Union Jack is everywhere; Topshop have done it effectively, as they have the signature scarf, which is all you need, but also the little heart shaped bag at just £18, the t-shirt £32…you name it – they got it!

The Item
The blazer is by far the item of the season. If you can make it denim then you’re going one step ahead; Gap does an amazing one priced £39.50 – reasonable as you can wear it day and night, and will signature any outfit. Topshop have a wide range, prices range from £35 – 50, light grey and double breasted are the ones that work best and go with any outfit. Do it like Rhianna and wear on a night out with a pretty floral dress, or Lauren Conrad with leggings, pumps and a statement T.

Beauty
When did everything go natural? I’m not a fan of the bare faced chic! Nevertheless it’s here, and it’s the dewy girl next door look. You can achieve this from creamy eye shadows and blushers, found at Shy Uemura approx £16 and Mac approx £17. Go for pink or orange shades, and you can use these products around their eyes, on the lips or cheeks. That’s value for your money. This also counts for the nails too – although yellow nails are a thing of the season, and it’s bright so why not give that a go? All else is natural, so don’t go heavy with the lashes or eye-makeup; let the colour do the talking. Eye brows are thick and full, as always, so don’t get tweezer happy; try threading for that celebrity look – Cheryl Cole swears by it! For your hair, volume is paramount, but we are seeing this natural wave with a simple middle parting this season. Make sure you have regular trims to keep hair looking shiny, and as for the volume why not purchase Babyliss rollers from Boots, approx £5, they are pink and you get a few in the pack, just twist and role the hair in the parting line, from wet or blow-dried, leave for a few hours, and take down, you’ll get volume and bounce. I promise! It’s worked for me and friends!

The Item
As this is the first instalment, I have to say that YSL Touche Eclat is the absolute MUST HAVE item if all time! It costs £21 and is a highlighter that you can use under the eyes, on the cheekbones and nose, to add structure and lift the face. It is the only hangover cure, and once you use this product I promise you will be hooked for life!

For more info, or any questions contact me at Ca91@canterbury.ac.uk

Popularity: 32% [?]