Battle of the Lip Balms

Battle of the Lip Balms:

-Beauty Blog-

If there's anything that anyone can know about me, it is my true obsession over lip care. I constantly have the urge to find out new products, buy funky packed products and I am a total sucker for organic anything. In the bottom of any handbag you will always find at least two variations of Lip care products (a spare just incase I am not in the mood for a particular one). If for some horrific occasion I leave my house without any lip care, you can definitely find me running to the nearest beauty store, to replenish my lip balm addiction. 

With the winter season fully in action, Lip care is more than a must for everyone. That's why I decided to share my thoughts and suggestions for my top 5 lip care products in the market. I am no beauty expert, but as a devoted user of lip care products, since I can remember... there's no harm in a little human to human recommendation. 

Top 5: 

- EOS Bluberry Acia

- Burts Bees with Pomegranate oil 

-Yu-Be moisturising cream

- Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream 

- Christian Dior Rose 

-EOS is properly the newest to my collection, after seeing the craze hit the USA, I was delighted to get my hands on it in the UK. EOS stands for the Evolution Of Smooth, its is 100% natural. It most definitely leaves your lips smooth and smelling tasty. With its cool design feature, and antioxidants rich its the perfect lip care to gift. (Available in Selfridges / Topshop)

-Burts Bees with Pomergrante oil is probably one of my oldest lip care choices. Its a problem solver to any lip care issues. I constantly finding myself going back to it, as it undeniable works. (Available in most Pharmacy's)  

- The Yu-Be cream was a discovery that I came across while exploring SpaceNK one afternoon. After hearing the diverse uses of the cream from hands, face, feet and lips... I felt that it needed to be in my ultimate collection. It's truly a miracle worker, but not hugely popular yet in the UK. It's one of those multi-purpose use creams. (Available in SpaceNK) 

- Elizabeth Arden's Eight hour cream is a total classic in anyone beauty cupboard. After stealing my sister tube, when I was young its something that has forever stayed in my beauty collection. Its diverse use, and iconic smell helps mend many skin problems. A true investment. (Available at all department stores)

- Christian Dior's lip balm was truly a luxurious treat. Who would want to wear such a magnificent lip care, stylishly packed. Its perfect for using underneath lip sticks and gloss, for an added strength of moistures. With its romantic scent, its hard not to resist. (Available in all good department store) 

Be sure to be Lip care ready for your winter holiday!-★

Absence with a story...

Absence with a story: 

These last few months have been fully exploding with excitement, creating the picture perfect memories for my second trip to India. Not having the time to prepare my post for my followers... Has been completely heart breaking and as if a disconnection from the world. 

What can I say about my unforgettable trip to India. Filled with celebrations, endless indulging and of course beautiful Indian fashion. Weddings in India have a whole new dimension and scale of weddings, it only ever get more of a larger affair than initial anticipated. Under the exotic sunshine, anyone and anything can have its nature of elegance. Truly an amazing adventure! 

I'm back now! Just in time for the sparkles of Christmas gifts, trends & shopping. - ★SK

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc's next move:

Whats next on the cards for a man who has created a brand with such a high level of ethos. Recognized around the world, its surely hard to deny that most devoted fashion lovers own something Marc Jacobs. From his wide range of fragrances, eyewear, fashion, handbags, books, shoes, watches and children's wear it was only a matter of time before Marc Jacobs put his mark on beauty. 

Hugely successful fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Chanel and Michael Kors have all branched their brands into the beauty world. With worldwide admires, who wouldn't want a Marc Jacobs lipstick, to accompany their Marc Jacobs handbag? 

Last week marked the opening of Marc Jacobs Beauty store in the heart of Manhattan, NYC. Truly making a clear statement to the world about his new range, with a 500 square feet stand alone store. The space was once used to display Marc Jacobs accessories has now converted into a beauty palace, offering customers quality products for their skin. It has been said that Marc is 'extremely passionate' about this new element that has been added to his thriving brand. 

Globally there are around 300 Marc Jacobs stores, the company is set to expand the brand more in the US, with a new flagship store on Fifth Avenue in 2014. The new make-up range is set to launch in Europe, Asia and Middle East during the course of 2014, for now the new NYC Manhattan store steals all the glory as well as selected Sephora stores.

In the recent release of Marc Jacobs beauty there has been rumors that the brand is not done with its growth, there are high possibilities in the future that you could buy Marc Jacobs furniture and fine jewellery. Can not wait for that to happen!-★

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My Trip to India

Travel Diary:

The month of July has been a very busy one, so much so that I didn't even have the time to blog. I finally found the time out there in India to capture some of my experience with my travel diary. Trying to travel light, I decided not to take my SLR camera on my journey, instead I wanted to experiment with my iPhone 5 camera, and all the editing apps available. Come and explore...

My Trip to India:

Landing into the exotic air of New Delhi Indira Gandhi airport on Saturday morning, there was a sense of excitement and pure delight to be back home in India. 

That first gush of hot warm air as you enter outside the airport, searching in the crowds of people for the person that has come to receive you... Is the greatest overwhelming impact for a Non resident of India (N.R.I). After coming to India, every year since I can remember that first major impact of India never fades. As we made our way to the car, bearing the wet humid heat, your truly dying for a breath of AC to save you sweat. 

As we make our drive out of the airport parking and on to the streets of Delhi, it's nice to always come back an discover improvements to the surroundings. This journey has been completed over 10 or 15 times that I can remember and yet still, I find it hard to remember the route home. I blame the hectic traffic habits and constant loud beeps from cars driving at you from all sides of the road, for being a distraction. 

Adjusting to India, and it's significant ways always takes a day. Until I've slept, woke up and realized my surroundings do I feel I can adjust to them. Getting home there's nothing more than a warm shower and some amazing food to clear the blur of the overnight plane journey. Once my taste buds are satisfied and body refreshed the first shopping trip commence, with blood shot eyes we waste no time to get back into the swing of Indian fashion happenings. The trip was very much scheduled to a strict timeline of how long we would spend in every state before moving to another, and completing our lists. 

India is such a huge country,with over 28 states and growing cities there's always something new you can discover in India. With the fashion industry on its highest growth at the moment, the world of Indian designers just keeps on developing. The Indian fashion cycle holds many elements of western fashion, with its repetition of old time fashion styles reinventing themselves in the contemporary world. 

After a couple of days of moving around fabulous Delhi, we made our journey to the countryside of state of Punjab. The air feels cleaner, the grass is green and the people are oh so real India. The state of Punjab allows you to enjoy the true sense of Organic food from local farms and home-grown produce, you can always expect the full quality of food. This was the only time in the trip, where relaxation could be enjoyed.

After moving from different towns, time definitely moved fast and was running out. As we made our way back to Delhi for our final dose of the city before our flight home. Tying up loose ends, I was final pleased to be heading home to London, after a swift and enriching two weeks of my beautiful India.-★

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The Turban trend

The Turban trend 

Global takeover:

A touch of the eastern fashion with a contemporary modern day feel to the look. The turban trend, is a fashion fad that never seems to die out. Perfect for those summer time looks, from Boho elegances to parisian flair, its a style that can work well with your flat sandals and sky high heels. 

An pure essences of old time glam, many celebrities fall back on this trend embracing a relaxed mood to their looks. Last spring/summer catwalk '12 saw the trend hitting the runways for a return, with Dolce & Gabbana welcoming the scarf wrapped turban look. 

In many Eastern cultures the Turban is an important connection to religion and tradition, but for fashion its the perfect and glamourous way of hiding a bad hair day. Its this summer most essential item, working it in your beach bikini look, to your city street-style. 

I am in love with this trend, for those that can totally pull it off so effortlessly, I salute you. A unique touch of difference to any ordinary outfit, for your casual day attire to your evening gatherings. A trend that I have not been that brave enough to try out, but most certainly up for the fashionable challenge of turbans. - ★

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Atelier AZZA

Atelier AZZA

By Azeeza Desai Khan

USA Brand with a Fusion:

Atelier AZZA is a US based womenswear fashion label that produces one of a kind cut, hand embroidered, sewn and finished entirely by hand. I came across this brand a few months back, I immediately fell in love with the juicy vibrant colours and amazing detailed embroidery. The embroidery surprised me, somehow I felt there was an Eastern Indian inspiration behind it, I was yet to discover so much more cultural connection behind the brand.

The lady behind the brand, Azeeza Desai Khan recently was nominated for the 2012 'Rising Star in Design' award by the Fashion Group International. So how did her fashion design journey begin?

Azeeza Khan began her fashion education in India, where she trained for 2 years learning the fundamentals of design and intricate embellishment. Born and raised in the US, much of Atelier AZZA's collection shows the culture fuse between Western cuts with Indian influenced embellishments from her heritage. With the launch of the brand with her S/S 2012 collection, international fashion magazines showed their keen interested the newly developed brand.

'Born Fashionista' Vogue India 

'Breakout Emerging Designer' TimeOut Magazine

Established just under one year ago and already featured thrice in Vogue, this developmental phase has brought to light the label's signature aesthetic of billowing frocks, structured blazers and exaggerated scarves juxtaposed against statement embellishments. Currently, the label is underground and available via bespoke custom order to an exclusive clientele base. 

Its beautiful exotic look with a contemporary appeal, its hard not to fall in love with this brand. I love fashion garments that tell a story, and speak different language of style. Atelier AZZA showcases the beautiful heritage of Indian embroidery and embellishment, with classic cuts and silhouettes. 

With the brand being born in the heart of Chicago, there's a beautiful essence of city chic within the designs. Outfits that can be taken from street style day with embellished scarfs and blazers to evening glamour with flowing gowns. With an exclusive boutique located on Michigan Avenue in the buzz of the fashion district of Chicago town. 

Visit Atelier AZZA for more on the collection

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Ear Cuff Candy

Ear Cuff Candy

Glamour for your ears:

This seasons most wanted and need accessory is the Ear cuff. Since the catwalk struts of Spring/Summer 2013, there has been a clear sign of a hot trend forming. The perfectly new and improved upgrade from your normal earrings. The Ear cuff, is a whole lot of added drama with a hint of glamour, with its fine detail and intricate swirl around the ear shape.

Its the perfect trend for those that have still yet to face the ear piercing gun. The ear cuff was definitely something that everyone saw coming, and waiting for the new reinvention of the classic earring design. Stylish and chic, its adds that perfect dose of high-fashion styling. From coloured stones, to metals the designs are endless... you will be sure to find the right Ear cuff for your look.

SKARMAN'S STYLE TIP:

Best worn with a messy, and loose sleek up-do, allowing the impact of the jewellery to take all the attention. Keep other accessories to a minimal around your face, that means no necklaces needed.

SKARMAN'S CHOICE:

 I love this trend. Its individual and unusual which is always a good trait to find in any trend. The high street stores are packed with great ear cuffs, for any occasion and taste. I have fallen in love with this Repossi 18-karat rose gold ear cuff. With no added stones or detail but a simple caged design, I find it oozing classic glamour... perfect for casual day looks and evening elegance.-★

(Repossi Ear Cuff, Available from Net-A-Porter, £3,477)

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Beyonce for H&M Collection

Beyonce for H&M Collection 

The unveiling of the full campaign:

High street summer fashion just got a whole lot of diva added to the mixture. It has been confirmed that Beyonce Knowles is the new face of high street fashion store H&M. The full campaign has finally been revealed, confirming the singers appearance, after earlier online speculation of her new partnership. The unstoppable Beyonce is photographed modelling a series of bikinis and beachwear inspired by her individual style. It has been said that the former Destiny Childs band member had included personal input into the pieces for the campaign. 

Shot in the exotic backdrop of the Bahamas, Beyonce works the series of bikinis and beachwear embracing her phenomenal hour glass figure. The ad campaign will feature the name of her up and coming world tour 'Beyonce as Mrs Carter in H&M' for her summer collection. 

After taking a break after the birth of her daughter Blue Ivy Carter from the hectic celebrity lifestyle, Beyonce is definitely showing the world that she is back and ready for business.  With her name being in the height of the news from her documentary debut, British and American Vogue Cover shoot and show stopping Super Bowl performance.

"I've always liked H&M's focus on fun affordable fashion. I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements - fire, water, earth and wind. It was a beautiful shoot on a tropical island. It felt more like making a video than a commercial."-Beyonce Knowles.

This has to be one of H&M's best collaborations and campaign, it is fresh, vibrant and natural truly engaging in the woman that Beyonce Knowles most definitely is. It represents and embraces a whole new level of beauty from the exotic and peaceful set location. After a speculation of rumors and online leaks, its good to finally be able to see the truth and full outcome of this campaign. Can't wait to catch the collection in store.-★

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Melissa & Karl Lagerfeld Shoe Collaboration

Melissa & Karl Lagerfeld Shoe Collaboration 

Eco-friendly brand meets Couture master:

The environmentally friendly footwear brand Melissa, has already successfully teamed up with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, Gareth Pugh, Liberty London, Pedro Laurenco and Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, but believes that Lagerfeld is their most exciting collaboration yet. The Brazilian footwear company, is known to creating the best eco-friendly shoes, sandals and heels, that fashion world has seen.

(Image: Model Cara Delevingne in Melissa & Karl Lagerfeld ad campaign for collection)

The brand has been established for 25 years and works on producing recycled plastics into stylish footwear, with a 'zero waste ethos' by recycling 99.9 per cent of factory water and waste as well overstocked shoes. For luxury fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld this is his first time teaming up with Melissa and also his first time designing shoes that will be made out of plastic. Lagerfeld and his fashion houses of  Chanel and Italian brand Fendi are the crème de la crème of luxury fashion, meaning he only uses the finest fabrics in creating his collections.

(Image: Model Cara Delevingne in Melissa & Karl Lagerfeld ad campaign for collection)

Karl Lagerfeld said that he took his inspiration for the designs of the collection, from the brands native country of Brazil, celebrating the 'joie de vivre' the joy of living. He is set to designs four seasons, for Melissa with his very first capsule collection unveiled this March 2013. The model of the moment Cara Delevingne, has been casted as the face of this brands new collection, the british model who is current at the very peak of her career. Karl has commented on his choice of  20 year old Cara to be the face of the new collection because of the 'whole attitude of her body and her freedom and her wildness I think there is no girl better than for this kind of photos than Cara."

(Image: Model Cara Delevingne in Melissa & Karl Lagerfeld ad campaign for collection)

Cara who is currently the face of British brand Burberry, is featured in the ad campaign displaying a sexy dominatrix in the fetish inspired photography's. Shot by the man himself Lagerfeld, he capture Cara adorning the collection behind brightly coloured backgrounds, for the Brazilian labels own magazine 'Plastic Dreams'. "Lagerfeld’s great talent, synonymous with couture, will be translated into a shoe line, expanding our consumer base and making his brand more accessible for all” Paulo Pedó, Marketing Director of Melissa.

(Image: Karl Lagerfeld & Cara Delevingne at the Opening party in NYC)

This collection would help in encouraging eco-friendly products into the main fashion sphere. Karl Largerfeld comments that 'plastic' is the modern day fabric for fashion. Melissa's footwear offers the best of design, created in the worlds most environmentally friendly way opening a whole new scope of people to be aware of what they are buying and how it could be affecting our world. I love the designs they are quirky with attitude, from their brightly coloured tones and juicy texture to the unique ice cream coned heels. Anything Lagerfeld touches truly becomes an international phenomenon.-★

Gladiator shoes - TREND ALERT

Gladiator Shoes

The Power of the Gladiator: Trend Alert

Challenge your classic footwear this season, be ready to take risks to a whole new length of fashion authority. This S/S'13 be prepared to welcome the female Empress inside of you, with the Gladiator trend back and ready to strike. 

(Image: Tom Ford)

The catwalks most extravagant accessory this season is footwear. With its dramatic lengths of luxurious leather, detailed buckles, straps and wraps that are embracing the calfs. The higher the extent of the flat show or heel, the more drama and stand-out appeal. Designers from Gucci and Roberto Cavalli choose to include the Gladiator trend, in ankle length heels that feature extreme detail of buckles. If you not fashion brave to try the knee high Gladiator look, then the ankle length heels are a perfect way of meeting the trend half way.

(Image: Gucci & Roberto Cavalli)

Wrapped leather and peek-a-boo cut out detailing, heeled or flat gearing up for world domination, they are an adventurous take on any other shoes or sandals that you have lying around in your wardrobes. The seriously bold fashion statement is rearing for attention, be sure not to add too much into your look when rocking these... let knee high heel do all the talking, in your look.-★

(Image: Versace & Alexander Wang)

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