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CITY LOOK
CITY LOOK
look for every budget...
By Mary Hogarth
To look stylish this season you only need to add
a few key items. A chunky knit sweater is a must,
as are smart trousers, a tailored dress and that
favourite staple the mac or trench coat.
Grey features in most collections, but a word of warning before you buy
lots of this colour. Too much grey can look drab so put your outfit together
carefully. Do mix and match, team grey with dark colours or soft hues for a
really striking look.
But the real key to looking glamorous this season is assessing what you
already before adding a few carefully chosen pieces. There are some great
collections on the high street that won’t break the bank, but you need to
choose carefully, only buy items that will add versatility to your wardrobe.
Wallis:
Monsoon:
M&S:
Freemans:
Matalan:
French Connection:
Primark:
Matalan:
Black jewel neck
detail sweater, £30
Caroline jacket, £135
Limited Collection
brown mac, £69
Check trench coat, £79
Jersey top, £6
Grey chunky knit
cardigan, £120
Satin mac, £18
Stud detail
mini dress, £14
French Connection:
Red Herring:
Retro logo t-shirt, £35
Red Herring grey lurex
waistcoat, £20
For the office, move away from those power suits and go for smart
separates instead. This will soften your image and help you stand out from
the crowd. Femininity is big in the workplace right now so choose a stylish
wool dress or team a smart shirt with a v-neck cashmere sweater and
trousers, but don’t forget to add a funky necklace to complete the look.
Waistcoats are a must-have item this season – they identify the wearer as
being versatile and creative. They can be dressed up or down to suit the
occasion. For a great casual ‘about town’ look try teaming a waistcoat with
a t-shirt and jeans or to glam up your working wardrobe wear with fitted
trousers and a shirt.
Don’t forget that great basic staple - the mac or trench coat, which will add
a touch of class to any outfit.
Here are some great separates to make you look hot this season.
T.K. Maxx:
Printed dress, £16.99
you can machine wash cashmere
We all love the feel of a cashmere sweater, but often avoid buying one
because it requires a little more TLC than just sticking it a machine
– and as busy professionals many of us don’t have the time to handwash our clothes.
Both brands get our thumbs up. Their cashmere is affordable, easy to look
after and a great asset to any working or casual wardrobe.
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Primark:
Debenhams:
Wallis:
Debenhams:
French Connection:
Cassie tunic, £55
Knitted dress, £10
Gorgeous Pablo
belted crops, £25
Check wide leg
trousers, £40
Gorgeous smart
jeans, £35
Grey wide leg
trousers, £70
what not to wear
Forget your size, discover your shape
and transform yourself, is the advice
from style gurus Trinny Woodall and
Susannah Constantine in their
latest book,
The Body Shape Bible.
“The art of dressing lies in
knowing which clothes will flatter
your pot belly or saddle bags. The
first, and most crucial step, is to be able
to identify your own shape,” say the duo,
who have identified 12 basic shapes of
women.
But, it seems some retailers have at last been listening to their consumers
and have produced a range of machine washable cashmere clothing.
Among them are Next and Tesco, which both claim you can machine-wash
their cashmere.
Not one to resist a challenge, I washed a pure cashmere cardigan from
Next and v-neck jumper from Tesco’s F&F Signature range. Following the
label instructions I put both through a 40-degree cycle, then left to dry flat.
Result? They retained their shape and did not shrink.
Monsoon:
Left to Right
Tesco: V-neck £35 - F&F Signature
Tesco: Cashmere belted tunic,£35 - F&F Signature
Next: Long v-neck sweater, roll neck or cardigan 100 per cent cashmere £75
Not only does The Body Shape Bible
define the characteristics of these
shapes and show how mistakes
can be made, it also gives pointers
on how to get your look right by
showing the kinds of skirts, shirts, trousers,
jackets and shoes each shape should
wear and how to put a look together for
all occasions – be it for casual, smart or
glamorous settings.
There is also a great section on
recycling the items you already have
as the pair believe in thrift and advise
caution before heading out to buy a
complete new wardrobe.
“Like everything in life, shopping is all
about moderation. One way to get the
thrill of a new dress without releasing
the ravening monster of throwaway
consumerism is to recycle what you
already have.
“A trip to the dressmaker can be every
bit as satisfying as a trip to Selfridges.
That way you get to own
clothes that are perfectly
fitted to your figure and are
truly unique. And you feel
virtuous to boot.” Entitled
Recycle your Wardrobe, this
section gives you advice
on how to recycle or adapt
clothes in your wardrobe
that you know don’t suit
your shape, but can’t bear
to throw out.
Here there are tips on mending, altering
clothes and dying items.
This is a great buy, which you should keep
dipping into before every shopping trip.
The Body
Shape Bible
is available
from most
bookshops
priced £20.
CITYLIFE 33
CITY LOOK
CITY LOOK
get the look for less
Ten
great autumn looks from the high street
threads & treads...
By Mary Hogarth
Whether you want to make an impact at work or are just out to have fun, this season is all about being smart with your
clothes without maxing out your credit card. Here are some fabulous looks to suit all budgets.
Shoes can make or break an outfit,
so unless you want to end up
buying lots of pairs this autumn opt
for footwear that will blend with most
of the items in your wardrobe.
Platform heels are back this season,
as are pumps, biker boots and
sturdy, high-heeled, ankle boots.
Shoes can make or break an outfit, so
unless you want to end up buying lots of
pairs this autumn opt for footwear that
will blend with most of the items in your
wardrobe. Platform heels are back this
season, as are pumps, biker boots and
sturdy, high-heeled, ankle boots.
There is a hint of the 1920s about in the
high streets, the Agatha Christie era when
ladies wouldn’t be seen without the three
essentials – a hat, gloves and handbag,
all matching. Thankfully today style isn’t so
rigidly defined, but do avoid colour clashes
when choosing accessories.
Marks & Spencer
Limited Collection jacket,
dress, Skinny Belt £7.50,
Tights £6,
Patent T-bar shoes £39.50
Debenhams
Star by Julien Macdonald pvc jacket,
Collection teal roll neck,
Red Herring skinny trousers,
J by Jasper Conran leather gloves £20,
Red Herring silver tote bag £25,
J by Jasper Conran boots
French Connection
Herringbone coat £160
black leather ankle boot £115
Warehouse
Black military coat £75,
Pussy Bow Blouse £45,
Trousers £45,
Hat £12
Matalan
Knitted Intarsia dress £16
Primark
Next
Grey Stripe Flannel Waistcoat £35,
White Self Stripe Shirt £22,
Grey Stripe Flannel Trousers £40
Wallis
Bright red twist neck jersey dress £40,
Black oversized bag £35
River Island
Velvet Panae Dress £49.99,
Necklace £24.99
Triple button jean £12 worn with metallic
crew neck jumper £6 with over-layed belt
£2.50 and faux fur gilet £20, Cord trilby
in beige £3 and metallic dark wood heels
platform shoes £15
Billy Bag:
Victoria £190
Matalan:
Distressed and
creased stud bag £12
Matalan:
Bronze cork platform £12, Black cork platform £12, Patent black
heel court £12, Black patent cut work platform £14, Mustard patent cut work platform £14, Bronze cork platform £12, Black cork
platform £12, Patent black heel court £12, Black patent cut work
platform £14, Mustard patent cut work platform £14
Littlewoods Direct:
Brand ‘Morgan’ shoe
boot with zip & buckle
detail £55
This season’s must-have
accessories are:
• A fabulous bag, which will add
a wow factor to any outfit
Principles
• Berets or trilbies to give any
Chocolate/green military jacket £65,
indigo jean £35,
scarf £29 and black bowling bag £32
outfit a touch of chic.
• Smart gloves and a glamorous
Dune:
Edgy Ankle boot £90
Primark:
Button driving gloves £6
T.K. Maxx:
Biker boots £24.99
scarf to complete the look.
We have trawled the high
street looking for great
footwear and accessories
so you don’t have to. Here
are our favourites.
Accessorize:
Trilby with metallic
trim - £25
Warehouse:
Purple suede tassel
bag £60
Accessorize:
Lurex crochet cloche hat - £15
M&S:
Purple buckle toe
pumps £19.50
Dorothy Perkins:
Sequin beret £12
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Matalan:
Metallic yarn scarf - £4
Warehouse:
Purple suede boot £80
CITYLIFE 35
CITY LOOK
green beauty...
natural beauty...
By Mary Hogarth
Clare Woods is a committed vegetarian and
supporter of ethical living. “It didn’t feel right to
know that things I bought had caused harm to
others, animals and people involved in bad
business practice and low wage,” she explains.
Are consumers more aware of the dangers of chemicals?
She has eaten organic food and used natural products for more than
10 years and admits she is healthier and happier knowing where things
come from.
Toxins in skin products are no longer being tolerated. There has been
much research that shows many of the chemicals have effects upon
hormones and risks of being carcinogenic.
“I love luxury and am a big shopper so it’s great to be part of the ethical
market meeting lots of people who have given up corporation jobs for a
different more gentle way of making money.”
Name the three beauty items you couldn’t do without?
Claire and her partner Keith Cheesman live in the New Forest with their
19-year-old cat and four rescued sheep. They founded Natural Unity in
2005 and sell organic cosmetics and beauty products. City Life met Clare
Woods from Natural Unity who revealed why you should start buying
organic beauty products...
Why did you set up Natural Unity?
Natural Unity evolved following our struggle to find organic, natural and
harm-free products. We wanted great choice, fully accessible, good
service, but found it was difficult to find what we were looking for, so we
set up our own website.
At Natural Unity we are passionate about harm-free living. For us this
means that products can be ethical and luxurious too. We don’t need to
compromise on quality because we care about the world and we know
that many more people join us in this way of thinking.
Yes. People are concerned about what they eat so it only follows that
what we put on our skin in products, clothing and use around the home
are just as important. Not just what goes in but how they are produced
too. Ethical consumerism is gaining a lot of interest now.
A really good face cream with an SPF protection for all round year and
I’m never without a bottle of face oil. I love the feel of an oil that smells
amazing and absorbs quickly.
My other essential is Earth Mama body butter, it’s totally natural,
kosher and vegan, full of shea butter, orange blossom and vitamin E.
It smells wonderful and a tiny amount all over the body makes skin
smooth and silky.
Clare’s tip: Simple routines work best. Keep skin hydrated and don’t
forget to drink lots of water.
Clare’s tip: It’s a good idea to really know your skin and get the
right lotions for it. Get into a routine, but make sure you use a good
moisturiser and exfoliator with a serum.
Clare’s tip: Use tiny amounts or better still the night before run olive
oil through your hair and leave in overnight, then wash out the next
morning. Result? You will have beautifully conditioned hair.
Can you tell me why people should buy natural beauty products?
Because they are healthier, sustainable and great to use, most of the
beauty industry still uses a large percentage of chemicals in products,
many of which are tested on animals.
Special offer to City Life readers
How to tell if a product uses natural ingredients
• Look out for certifications such as Organic Growers in Cornwall, Soil Association in UK, Ecocert in France and BDIH in Germany. These will give you assurance that companies follow true organic methods.
• To use Organic in the title of a product, there must be over 95 per cent organic ingredients. Made with organic ingredients labeling must contain 70 per cent to carry the SA label.
• If you are vegan and vegetarian or do not want any of the product to be tested on animals look for the BUAV bunny logo.
CITYLIFE 36
CITY LOOK
Natural Unity is offering all City Life
readers a 10 per cent discount on their
first order.
Visit the website (www.naturalunity.com)
then call 0845 6028805 with your order
and quote City Life Special Offer.
Look out for Natural Unity’s mail order
service, which will be launching early
next year.
Natural Unity also provides a very personal
service sourcing products for customers
who can’t find items on the high street.
Buying natural products is not as easy as it seems.
Often, although an item is labeled as natural, there’s
no guarantee that what’s being offered has a high
quantity of certified organic ingredients or in fact,
any at all.
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To help you steer clear of such products we have compiled
a checklist of what to look for and things to avoid.
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Check for items that contain:
• Plant-based ingredients that are effective, yet gentle on the skin.
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• Natural products containing active ingredients that are effective and functional, ingredients that play an active role in the formulation. So you can be sure the product will deliver on its promises.
• Approval and certification from a recognised
organisation to back up a product’s claims, like the Soil Association Certification logo for organic products.
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Avoid:
• Petro-chemical based detergents
• Parabens • Silicones and synthetic colourants
• Synthetic fragrances and parfums.
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Here are some divine products made from natural
ingredients for you to indulge your hair, face and body.
Hair: All available from www.naturalunity.com
1: Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Hair Treatment, £11.50
2: Burt’s Bees Colour Keeper Fennel Seed Shampoo, £11
3: Burt’s Bees Grapefruit and Sugarbeet Shampoo, £11
4: Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo, from £3.50
Face
5: Essential Care Coconut Cleanser, from £5
www.naturalunity.com
6: Green People Gentle Cleanse, £12.99
www.greenpeople.co.uk
7: Burt’s Bees Citrus Facial Scrub, £9
www.naturalunity.com
8: L’Occitane Honey Comfort Face Mask, £20
Tel: 020 7907 0301
9: Lush Sacred Truth Facemask, £5.95
www.lush.co.uk
10: Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Enriching Mask, £14
www.nealsyardremedies.com
11: Green People Vita Min Fix, £12.99
www.greenpeople.co.uk
12: Doctor Burt’s Herbal Blemish Stick, £9.99
www.naturalunity.com
13: L’Occitane Immortelle Eye Balm, £24
Tel: 020 7907 0301
14: L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Moisturising Care SPF15, £20
Tel: 020 7907 0301
15: Trevarno Revitalising Facial Oil, £11.20
www.naturalunity.com
Body
16: Green People Gentle Control Roll-On Aloe Vera Deodorant, £6.49
www.greenpeople.co.uk
17: Neal’s Yard Remedies Soothing Bath Oil, £10
www.nealsyardremedies.com
18: Lush You’ve Been Mangoed Bath Melt, £2.50
www.lush.co.uk
19: L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath, £16
Tel: 020 7907 0301
20: L’Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion, £17.50
Tel: 020 7907 0301
21: Lush Aqua Mirabilis Skin Conditioner, £4.75
www.lush.co.uk
22: Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Getting Started Kit, £12.99
www.naturalunity.com
23: Trevarno Lavender, Geranium And Palmerosa Bath and Body Oil, £10.05
www.naturalunity.com
24: L’Occitane Lavender Relaxing Foot Cream, £11
Tel: 020 7907 0301
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CITYLIFE 37
CITY LOOK
CITY LOOK
Hot looks for your Christmas party
By Mary Hogarth
Purple Embellished Satin Maxi Dress, £100 – Warehouse
We have found a selection of fabulous dresses at
great prices and some cute little bags to help you look
hot this Christmas. Don’t forget to treat yourself to
some lingerie – wearing sexy underwear will give your
confidence an added boost.
It’s party season again and if you’ve got nothing to wear or you can’t get
that wow factor from anything in your wardrobe, then it’s time to hit the
shops. But before you rush out the door here are a few dos and don’ts to
help you get the right look.
Choose the right dress for your shape. If you have big breasts flatter them
with a sexy v-neck shaped dress and a supportive underwired bra. For
those with a bit of a tummy a wrap dress will emphasise your curves.
Sequin Dress,
£149.50 Marks & Spencer
Black Pearl Neck Detail Georgette Dress
£60 Wallis
Stud Detail Mini Dress,
£14 Matalan
Teal Bubble Dress with detachable straps,
£55 Next
Don’t necessarily choose that old faithful, the LBD. Colour at this time of
year is gorgeous and can make you sparkle whether it’s deep red, purple
or a little number covered in sequins.
Versatility is best when it comes to choosing any outfit. If have a couple of
parties lined up and want a different look at each, why not choose a dress
with detachable straps?
If you’re wearing a plain neckline dress up it with some chunky jewellery
Once you’ve found that dress do look for some sexy new shoes to match.
Lastly be prepared for mishaps on the night. When you head out for the
party do slip a spare pair of hold-ups or tights in your handbag…
1
Obelia Dress,
£70 Monsoon
3
Chocolate And Coral Lace Bra £76 And Shorts Set £24
Freemans
Ultimate Lace Bra, £18 And Thong, £6
Debenhams
2
Bags
5
1 Armoured Jewel Purse, £4 – Accessorize
2 Black Beaded Handbag, £23 – Wallis
3 Metallic Clutch Bag, £15 – M&S
4 Nina Bag, £25 - Monsoon
5 Chain Mail Box Bag, £8 – Primark
CITYLIFE 2
4
Bra £16.99 briefs £7.99
TK Maxx
Black Satin Polka Dot Bra, £14 Black Satin Polka Dot Knickers, £5
Dorothy Perkins
Autograph Black Lace Bra, £32
M&S
CITYLIFE 39