Aloha from the Bloggers Love Hub (with Product Reviews)

             Bloggers Love has done it again! The Bloggers Love Hub convened every Monday this past November. I caught the last of the festivities on the 24^th, which were held at Kanaloa, a Tiki-themed bar. The inspiration behind the Hub was to provide a place where bloggers could network, explore new brands, and catch a fashion show or two – all with a novel liquid refreshment (served in Tiki or coconut beakers of course). Bloggers on site were there to provide advice to fellow bloggers, while beauty treatments (hair and nails) were a further added bonus! Oh, the life of a blogger is hard…

As a VIB (Very Important Blogger), I was able to secure myself a front row seat for the fashion shows (I loved seeing my name card waiting for me)! I chose a mainly black ensemble and paired my see-through crewneck with a lacy maroon bralet and long sleeveless jacket.

Backless styles are a cheeky way of showing some flesh when the rest of the outfit is more reserved (far left); neutrals elongate the body and are always a stylishly safe bet (top center); Fifty Shades of Grey is clearly having a moment and has permeated the fashion sphere with bondage-inspired details, like this leather "harness" as Mr. Grey would say (ahem) (bottom center); just in time for the glitz and the glam of New Year's Eve, sequins are a surefire way to get yourself noticed (far right)

Marilyn Monroe made the "little white dress" iconic in that 1954 photo. It has taken on many different forms since then to provide an angelic rivalry to the tried-and-true "little black dress."

             I personally always jump at the chance to chat to and meet other bloggers in person. It’s a really good way to spread the word about your own blog while gathering tricks of the trade and picking up new blog URLs along the way. Events like this one work to make cyber space that little bit less vast and anonymous. I might have attended the Hub alone, but I left for the Tube station with two fellow bloggers at the end of the night.  

Putting a face to a name: pictured with fellow blogger Joshua Milton of That Kid in the Bowtie

             After making my rounds at the Hub, I was loaded down with goodies, which I was eager to test. Now, I’d just like to interject with some information about the brands featured on the night and a few mini product reviews, because I figure it’s better to show you than to tell you!

             If you follow my blog, then you know that I’m a really big advocate of Umberto Giannini’s hair products for their effortless styling and staying power. If you’d like to have a look at my Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray review, you can view it here and you can find the rest of my reviews for the Glam Hair range here. I am now adding two more of Umberto Giannini’s products into the mix to finish off the Glam Hair range roundup: the Princess Purrfect Hot Styler Spray and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Extreme Hairspray.

Princess Purrfect Hot Styler Spray

Step 1. Spray Umberto Giannini's Princess Purrfect Hot Styler Spray all over dry or damp (as shown here) hair before blowdrying or styling with a straightener or curling iron. Its claim? That it "holds like a hairspray, smoothes like a serum, and protects against heat damage."

Step 2. Brush the spray through your hair before styling as desired. I chose to curl my hair with the Diva Professional Styling Beach Curls Wand, which I swear by!

Step 3. Curl half of your hair on one side of your head first. I tend to leave the curling wand on for 20 seconds per section with the heat setting at 160 degrees Celsius, because I have fine hair. Remember: the less heat, the better!

Rock ‘N’ Roll Extreme Hairspray

Step 4. Curl the rest of your hair. Flip your head upside down and run your hands through all of your curls if you want to achieve beachy waves, opposed to tight curls. Then mist Umberto Giannini's Rock 'N' Roll Extreme Hairspray throughout your hair for hold. A little goes a long way! 

The finished result backs up the product's claim, leaving you with long-lasting, touchable curls!

 Explore the full range of Umberto Giannini haircare here or stop by your local Boots store for quality products at reasonable prices

Timeless Truth Bio Cellulose Apple Stem Cell Collagen Mask

Timeless Truth has a wide selection of beauty masks to choose from. This one is loaded with stem cells extracted from the Swiss Uttwiler Spätlauber apple, which help to nourish and stimulate the skin. Marine collagen reduces signs of fatigue and dehydration by boosting the skin's softness and elasticity. It's as simple as cleansing your face and then wearing the mask (which is hassle-free, unlike creams and other concoctions) for 15-20 minutes. After removal, massage the remaining essence into the skin.

I braved going bare-faced and channeled Hannibal Lecter à la Silence of the Lambs to reveal radiant and supple skin that provides the perfect make-up base. What you see is what you get; the only make-up I'm wearing is mascara and I haven't cheated with photo editing! For best results, repeat the treatment three-to-four times a week.

Try the innovative beauty masks out for yourself by ordering online here. There are two decadent ranges to choose from: Fusion and Luxury.

In Situ Cosmetics Face Scrub 

London-based In Situ Cosmetics very kindly offered to create a bespoke skincare product for me to pick up at the Bloggers Love Hub. I chose all of the elements to reflect what best suits my skin type,  from the texture, to my skin concern, to a mood boost, finishing off with what time of day I would like to use the product. I ended up with a face scrub for normal skin that firms and tones while providing a total unwind at night. It is literally "made only for you." As my personalized bottle suggests, this product is made specifically for my skin and me. Hands off, everyone!

 The clear gel-like face scrub uses natural micro-beads to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities. Quillaja extract is naturally cleansing, orange boosts skin's firmness and elasticity, and sandalwood helps to calm and relax. Afterwards, my skin felt tighter and cleansed, while the scent of the scrub was refreshing and invigorating. The product is exactly what skincare should be -uncomplicated and 98 percent natural - but most importantly, it works!

You too can create your own indivdualized skincare here. Custom-made, paraben-free, color-free, and naturally fresh products are only a click away! Besides, who can resist the super cute name detail?

Vita Liberata

Vita Liberata created the world's first odorless tan in 2007 and became the first completely non-toxic tanning brand in 2011. Watch this space in January, because I will be collaborating with Vita Liberata to test out a product from their new NKD SKN Luxe Tanning Collection. This should be interesting, as I've never tried a self-tanner before, but it should do wonders for perking up my pale winter complexion.

At the Hub, Vita Liberata set up a selection of their Illuminating Skin Finish, which would act as a great highlighter for cheekbones. I tested it on the back of my hand and the result was a silky sheen with just the right amount of shimmer. For more information about Vita Liberata, visit their website here.

Slendertone

Also stay tuned to my blog for my review of the Slendertone System Abs Belt in the coming months. I will be charting my journey on a weekly basis during the recommended four-to-six week period. I'm holding off until after Christmas (I say with a box of chocolates next to me), precisely because it is Christmas where I get to eat, drink, and be merry. Although, come New Year, I will be buckling down and getting back into the routine of working out, eating healthily, and getting toned with the help of Slendertone. That way, I can show you the best possible results.

Slendertone supplies products that improve muscle tone and body shape. From abs to arms to your behind, and even to your face, Slendertone uses Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) toning technology to create strong, deep muscle contractions to tone your body. 20 minutes using the Ab Belt is the equivalent of 120 abdominal crunches. Count me in!

If you'd like to learn more about Slendertone or are interested in what else they have on offer, check them out here.

Nadia Minkoff London

The London-themed jewelry I received at the Hub courtesy of Nadia Minkoff London was such a sweet surprise. Made with Swarovski elements, the charm bracelet and necklace perfectly depict certain aspects of the great city. The Eye is central to both pieces of jewelry with its candy-colored outer wheel, which is whimsical and unexpected. These are definite conversation starters!

I met the lovely Nadia herself at the Hub and was captivated by her electric teal clutch bags and the iridescent peacock tones infused in her jewelry. Nadia Minkoff London was first established in 1988 and stays true to the designer's roots: her home city of London. Learn more here.

             In keeping with the Hawaiian theme of the evening, I feel that a big mahalo (thank you) is owed to Bloggers Love for arranging such an enjoyable event. The eclectic array of brands on show made for a perfect combination of products and services, not to mention the delightful people in attendance. Get involved with Bloggers Love here and the Bloggers Love Hub here. Maybe I'll see you at the next event!

Bloggers Fashion Week: Where the Virtual Embraces the Actual

             Move over London Fashion Week. There’s a newcomer on the catwalk that goes by the name of Bloggers Fashion Week. Establishing itself for the first time this March and hosted by Bloggers Love, which organizes events for bloggers, you are sure to catch this three-day event on every blogger’s hot list. Just the place to put a face to a blog, The Penthouse in Leicester Square designated its seventh and eighth floors to the blogger sphere. The to-die-for London skyline featured the electric blue London Eye overseeing the proceedings.  

             Blogging starts with a passion that gradually builds up a following, which is further perpetuated by networking. There are hundreds of blogs run by individuals teeming with talent and diverse interests, but sometimes it can be hard to reach out when we are restricted by our computer screens. That is why it is highly advantageous to connect with fellow bloggers whenever the opportunity presents itself.

             Bloggers Fashion Week started with a “summer garden chic” dress code, bloggers boutique, and multi-brand and highlight fashion shows. The models of the multi-brand fashion show were styled by bloggers, while the highlight fashion show featured one retailer/designer. We were spoiled for choice as we perused various designers and their fashion mediums. A tradeoff was available from Swap In The City if we wished to exchange some of our previously worn, but well-kept clothing items with other bloggers. The assembled guests were then allocated seats to have a good look at what trends we should be adopting now, with brand Reiss stealing the show.

Guirado Design scarves

Rachel Black Millinery; how sweet are those bow hats?!

Tutti Rouge lingerie

Olivia Cox, presenter of Bloggers Fashion Week

I am experiencing severe separation anxiety from this eye-popping Reiss suit

             Unfortunately, I was unable to make the next day’s festivities, where “mad hatters tea party chic” was the sartorial suggestion. A blogging master class was held to help bloggers up the ante on their skills, alongside more fashion shows - with the attention placed on Debenhams and Specsavers.

             However, on day three I travelled in style by way of a streamlined, glossy black Mercedes-Benz to celebrate the triumph of Bloggers Fashion Week as it wound down. The complimentary ride came courtesy of Bloggers Love and Uber, a company that allows you to order a car directly from your mobile. Hey, the life of a blogger is hard.

             “All black city chic,” my style go-to, was a no-brainer as I lost myself amongst a sea of other sharply and well turned out bloggers. I made a beeline for the bloggers beauty bar, where I joined a long line of eager ladies waiting to get their nails beautified and accessorized. With the London sunshine holding up recently, I had an assortment of Easter egg pastels to choose from, selecting a seafoam green polish with a classic black and white houndstooth accent for my ring fingers. The manicurist must have seen dozens of nails that day and I applaud her skills, finishing off faultless paint jobs and requested designs in about 15 minutes.

             Umberto Giannini, Sleep-In Rollers, Bravura London, Vita Liberata (live tanning area), Headmasters (blow dry bar), and Lash Perfect (lash bar) were amongst the brands that had set up shop for the evening. The perks of this were definitely not limited to the goodie bags we received with samples, but representatives were more than happy to explain all about their products, providing us with expert tips and tricks.

             Umberto Giannini has a wide range of hair products, one such being the Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray from the Glam Hair collection, which smells amazing! I have previously tried salt spray from VO5 and Label.m and I am a huge fan of the look it achieves, so I have decided to do a mini product review of Umberto Giannini’s, which can be bought at any Boots store for about six pounds. The great thing about salt spray is that it’s incredibly simple to use and it gives hair a matte texture while creating sexy beach waves that every girl wants to master. 

             Let me just start off by saying that I have very fine, straight hair and I am not exactly adept at using a curling iron, but I love wavy or curly hair! Hence, I am always looking for shortcuts on how to fake my way there. No one has ample amounts of time in the morning to waste on doing their hair, so just follow these four simple steps and I guarantee you’ll have "the look that says you haven't tried, you just are this gorgeous," as the packaging suggests.

Step 1. Spray Umberto Giannini's Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray generously in damp or dry hair and secure in a bun before bedtime.

Step 2. When you wake up in the morning, lean your head forward and shake your hair out after undoing your bun.

Step 3. Voilà! Perfectly tousled beach waves.

Step 4. Style as desired. I always find myself reaching for a hat to add the finishing touch.

             Before being hit with a double whammy of highlight fashion shows from Gerda Truubon and Girl Meets Dress, I played around in the giant photo booth that was clearly a big hit with everyone and an ingenious icebreaker. We all fought our way into the booth once, twice, even three times to pose with assorted props, joined by our new blogger friends. Then, all that was left to do was to sit back and enjoy the show as the DJ pounded the bass while the models pounded the catwalk.

Photo booth fun

             Business cards were exchanged and friendships were formed, making the blogging world all that little bit less lonely. Bloggers Fashion Week was a resounding success, so you had better get blogging if you want to attend the next one! I have been blogging for almost a year now, but the road has in no way been a predictable or boring one! Blogging comes with its ups and downs, but Bloggers Fashion Week left me on a very, very big high.

The Girl Meets Dress duo

I could not get enough of these bold chain-focused dresses from Gerda Truubon

             To learn more about Bloggers Love and get involved, check them out here. For your own lavish Uber experience, sign up here. Explore Reiss here and Umberto Giannini here. Be inspired by Girl Meets Dress here and Gerda Truubon here. For directions on how to find The Penthouse, see here. 

Receiving My (Very Fashionable) Red Bull Wings

             We are soon to enter the February edition of London Fashion Week as Cupid draws his arrow on February 14th, making the event the sweetest and most stylish Valentine that you have ever had. Until its end on the 18th, London Fashion Week promises to be perpetually high-paced and fully charged. This is why a pre-Fashion Week pampering is an essential calm before the storm, and what better place to hold such an event than Red Bull Studios? We all know that a few of their energy drinks will be replacing our typical accessories as an outfit staple during the hectic comings and goings of the week.

             Hosted by The Show Space, a production company that focuses on events management, fashion show production, and casting and scouting, the Re-Treat all-day event on the 3rd and 4th of February proved to spoil and pamper us to perfection. The staff was friendly and attentive and director Nikki Sheldon was darting around in true professional form to both oversee the event and offer warm greetings. Elemis, ORLY, Browhaus, Sleep MakeUP, SP Men, SP Luxe, Nioxin, and Sebastian Professional all offered complimentary beauty treatments for guests. French Connection was also displaying their new fashion and home wear ranges and a digital photo booth served as a fun distraction, silly props optional!

Photo courtesy of The Show Space 

             During the event, I acquired a luscious goodie bag full of survival items and various vouchers to help soften the blow of a stressful week, containing absolute must-haves. I later received a Sleek MakeUP treasure trove of gems to experiment with and some Scaramouche and Fandango products for “the man in my life!”

             The Red Bull smoothie bar serving raspberry and blackcurrant and mango flavors plus an energy kick was enough to make me believe that Red Bull really does give you “wings!” There was no shortage of food nibbles and we were all very well looked after with pastries, popcorn, and later on, pizza. The relaxing atmosphere accomplished what it set out to achieve with its laid-back and breezy vibe and softly flowing conversation.

Photo courtesy of The Show Space

             I had booked myself in for an Elemis Stress Away shoulder and back massage, which was heavenly and left me floating my way over to the Sleek MakeUP counter for an eyebrow master class. There, the very lovely Olivia helped to straighten out my eyebrow ineptitude as she showed me the basics of filling them in to best flatter my face shape.

Photo courtesy of The Show Space

Showing off my impeccable eyebrows thanks to Olivia of Sleek MakeUP

             A select gathering, invitees were permitted to come and go as they pleased. After pre-arranged treatments, we were welcomed to stay a while longer and mingle with the rest of the group, cheekily grabbing a few Red Bulls or taking advantage of the ping pong table. The trendy milieu was devoted to its assembled guests through and through, and in turn, those guests were very grateful (myself included)!

Photo courtesy of The Show Space

             After speaking with a few of the models, staff, and representatives of the brands, I was able to connect with them outside the reigns of London Fashion Week and talk to them solely as people who were just as down to earth as the rest of us. London Fashion Week need not be about the superficiality that is aimed at us through media and news reports, but more about the subtle undertones of everyone bonding through a shared love of fashion. Therein lies the genuine source of what brings us together, but more importantly, keeps us together.

Photo courtesy of The Show Space

             I would like to give a big thank you to Nikki Sheldon for allowing me the opportunity to attend this event. Visit The Show Space website here, and for more information regarding London Fashion Week, see here. To read about my experience from London Fashion Week last September, have a look here, and for London Fashion Weekend, here.  

Photo courtesy of The Show Space