Nails for New Year's Eve

Hello all!  So sorry for the unscheduled disruption in posting. Not really sure what happened. I got really busy, didn't put up a post one day, and then it kind of snow balled. Well anyway, I'm back and here are some fun party nails for you.

I am going to a little New Year's Eve party tonight so I thought I would try some sparkle.

Glamour Puss by Leighton Denny with Andrea Fulerton

This is two coats of Glamour Puss by Leighton Denny, one of my fave pinks, then topped of with some gemstones from Andrea Fulerton.

Andrea Fulerton Crystal Gemstones

It was really easy to do. I applied the crystals when the second coat of pink was still tacky. They are easy to pick up and position with the applicator. I opted for the simple approach of just one per nail to try to avoid over kill but really more to avoid a whole world of fiddliness! I actually think it wouldn't be that much work to apply more though.

I then finished with a clear top coat. Another one I have from Leighton Denny called One For All and the job was a good'un!

So what do you think?

Happy New Year to everyone!

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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Nails by OPI - Over The Taupe

I just wanted to share this with you. I had my nails done on Saturday and decided to go for this yummy shade from OPI.

Over The Taupe by OPI

It's called 'Over the Taupe' and it's completely delish. A definite new fave for me.

What's your favourite colour of the moment?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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iPulse - My First IPL Hair Removal Session

Well I have finally managed to let approximately 10 years of fake tan fade (as directed by the extremely clear iPulse instructions) and have taken the IPL plunge.

The plan was to start with my underarms as this is reportedly the easiest area to treat. But it was so easy and, dare I say it, fun, that I went straight ahead and did my lower legs too!

I was totally surprised at how painless it was and because I love a gadget, and a project, I have to say that I really enjoyed myself.

I had the activator gel stored in the fridge and so when I applied on the skin (which has just been shaved), it was really cooling. So when I started treating, I felt absolutely no pain. The gel is great because it looks super smooth when first applied, and then becomes stippled looking after each patch has been treated. This is fab because you can see exactly where you've been.

To be extra safe, the iPulse instructions suggest that you use a white eyeliner to mark out the areas to treat. I didn't have this so I used a white eyeshadow and a wet brush. Sorted! I didn't need to worry about this with my underarms because the area is so small, but it was a helpful tips for the legs.

So I suppose the whole session took about an hour, although I wasn't really timing it. But it was really so much less of an ordeal than I was expecting it to be. Now I can't wait for a week to pass by so I can have another stab at it. I am really excited to see how this first session affects regrowth at this early stage.

I will keep you updated on my quest to eradicate all unwanted hair, and if you would like more information in the meantime, visit www.iPulse.co.uk, follow iPulse on Twitter here and Facebook here. To buy from Boots, click here.

So now that I have actually done it, I'll be able to answers any questions you may have, so let me have them.

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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The ReallyRee Christmas Gift Guide: Fearne Cotton Colour Nails By Day

This nail polish set from Fearne Cotton at Boots is amazing value. You get six full size nail polishes for £10 and it's also part of the Boots '3 for 2' promotion.

I would love to receive this as a gift. There are some fab colours and you'll get a chance to experiment with some shades that perhaps you haven't tried before.

Gorgeous hey?!

This one's a bit crazy for me. Very pretty colour but I wasn't sure it was for me. My friend Lucy really liked it though.

And I LOVED this pinky red. Still have it on now!

Great gift. You can get the Fearne Cotton Colour Nails By Day in store at Boots or online at Boots.com

Check out this cute video from Fearne with her makeup tips:

Have you tried any Fearne Cotton products yet?

Can't wait to hear from you.

Ree

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The ReallyRee Christmas Gift Guide: Neal and Wolf Indulgence Collection

This gorgeous hair care set from Neal and Wolf will make a fabulous Christmas Gift.

The Indulgence Collection is beautifully presented, looks super sophisticated and the products are lovely. The set contains three big sizes of the Daily Cleansing Shampoo, the Daily Conditioner and the Intensive Care Treatment. The set retails at £29.95 which is amazing value for a professional hair care range.

Neal and wolf Indulgence Collection

Ritual Daily Shampoo and Conditioner cleanse hair leaving it fresh and full of shine. Infused with silk, milk proteins and liquid shea they promise to deliver brilliant shine. For truly stunning, healthy hair, Harmony contains a unique combination of intensive conditioners to repair damaged hair, leaving it instantly transformed.

Neal and wolf Indulgence Collection

The products smell gorgeous. So far I have used the Ritual shampoo and conditioner and I'm really impressed. I've been a bit under the weather recently which sometime means I suffer from a touch of dry skin around the hairline. I used the range yesterday and I have to say, the dry skin condition is much improved. I wasn't expecting that!

Neal and Wolf Ritual Daily Cleansing Shampoo

The shampoo lathers really nicely and rinses easily. It left my hair feeling instantly clean.

Neal and Wolf Ritual Daily Conditioner

The conditioner is lovely and creamy. I left it in for a couple of minutes and as I rinsed it out, I could notice an improved silkiness. Excellent!

Neal and Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment

I'm yet to try out the Intensive Care Treatment, but I am really excited to.  My hair is really manageable and soft and, as I said, my dry patches are much less noticeable after one use.

I am definitely recommending this one! All the Neal and Wolf products are available online at www.nealandwolf.com and in salons.

Have you tried Neal and Wolf? How's the Christmas shopping going?

Can't wait to hear from you.

Ree

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A Christmas Giveaway with Sourz!

This is sure to get you in to the Christmas spirit. Special for the festive season, the lovely people at Sourz have a bottle of  the new Sourz Winter Limited Edition flavour, Cranberry and Apple, to give away to a lucky ReallyRee reader.


"Sourz second limited edition of the year is here to keep you warm through the winter months. The Cranberry twist to our number one Apple flavour tastes fantastic on it's own or in simple mixed drinks"


It's super simple to get involved. All you have to do is:

1. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect
2. Like ReallyRee on Facebook  and suggest to your friends 
3. Follow Sourz on Twitter 
4. Follow ReallyRee on Twitter
5. Tweet "I've entered the @ReallyRee and @Sourz Giveaway - http://bit.ly/eGMlWu Why don't you?"
6. Leave a comment telling me the ways you have entered and your favourite thing about Christmas.

Simple! Do as many as you can because you'll get an entry for each.

This giveaway is open to UK residents over the age of 18, and will close on Sunday 19th December 2010. The winner will be announced shortly after that.


If you win the competition, you will need to provide valid identification(s) to verify your age.

Good luck. Can't wait to hear from you.

Ree

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The British Fashion Council Announces NEWGEN Winners for AW11

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced the chosen 18 rising talents in fashion that will receive NEWGEN sponsorship, supported by Topshop, and will show at London Fashion Week in February 2011.

NEWGEN is internationally recognised for showcasing the best in design talent and is a crucial element in the BFC's talent identification process.

Previous recipients have included Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Boudicca, Giles Deacon, Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane and Erdem.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented, “NEWGEN has been propelling young British design talent on an international stage for many years, and we thank Topshop for their ongoing support. The strength of the brands that the previous winners have gone on to establish is testament to the talent here in London and demonstrates the strength of talent identified by NEWGEN season on season. This season’s recipients are directional, innovative and show incredible promise and we are excited for them to demonstrate the best of London’s emerging design talent to a global audience.”

And here are the new winners...

Catwalk:
David Koma
Holly Fulton
Louise Gray
Mary Katrantzou
Michael van der Ham

Presentation:
Christopher Raeburn
Craig Lawrence
J. JS Lee
Nasir Mazhar
Film Installation:J.W. Anderson

Installation:Dominic Jones
Jordan Askill

Exhibition
Chau Har Lee
Christopher Raeburn
Craig Lawrence
David Koma
Dominic Jones
Fannie Schiavoni
Felicity Brown
Heikki Salonen
Holly Fulton
J. JS Lee
Jordan Askill
JW Anderson
Louise Gray
Mary Katrantzou
Michael van der Ham
Nasir Mazhar
Thomas Tait
Yang Du

This is the 19th consecutive season that Topshop has supported NEWGEN.

London Fashion Week will run from Friday 18th February – Wednesday 23rd February 2011 and will be located at Somerset House, Strand WC2.

For more information on the NEWGEN designers visit  www.britishfashioncouncil.com/newgen

When I went to the Fashion Business Club's last meeting, Yasmin Sewell labelled Michael van der Ham as 'one to watch'.

Who are you excited about?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree
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Sheer Cover and Armand Beasley's Top Tips for Christmas Makeup

I recently had the opportunity to try out Sheer Cover mineral makeup and my first impressions are really good.

Once I have tried it out a bit more, I'll put together a thorough review of the range for you. But for now, I wanted to share with you celebrity makeup artist Armand Beasley's Top Tips for Perfect Christmas Makeup.

1. Mineral makeup like Sheer Cover® is ideal for Christmas parties as it’s long-lasting and oil-absorbing so you won’t be shiny in photos
2. For dry skin, exfoliate once a week and use a mineral primer under your makeup to make sure foundation glides on smoothly and stays put
3. Use a specific eye concealer instead of foundation around the delicate eye area. Don’t be heavy handed with light reflecting concealers especially for photographs as the flash can bounce off the concealer creating a white ring around the eye. Instead use a soft, matte concealer on under-eye circles for flawless photos.
4. Keep your complexion fresh and natural – don’t overcompensate with bronzer to conceal pale winter skin
5. A soft pink blusher on the ‘apples’ of the cheeks with a touch of bronzer under the cheekbones is more flattering than allover bronzer which can flatten features in pictures as opposed to highlighting them
6. Emphasize your lashes! Use a double coat ; a good quality mascara won’t damage lashes even if used day and night – use mineral mascara or go with high-impact false lashes – cut them to fit your eyes and then apply after mascara
7. Double cleanse! Cleansing is the most important part of a beauty routine. Finding a regime that controls imperfections and leaves skin clean will mean your moisturiser is more easily absorbed and you have to wear less makeup
8. Follow the glamorous winter fashion trends and play with high-impact makeup for evening but only ever focus on a strong lip OR a strong eye application, but never both at once!
9. The Mad-Men 1950’s look is really popular at the moment and flattering to most skintones. Use a slick of red lipstick, gloss or stain to mimic Christina Hendricks
10. A shimmery grey eyeshadow looks great on all eye colours and is less severe than black. It can be worn on it’s own during the day and with black liner for evening. Mineral shadows tend to be crease resistant and are perfect for sensitive eyes

To buy Sheer Cover® visit www.sheercover.co.uk where prices for the full range start at £29. And for more information on Armand Beasley please visit www.armandinternationalltd.com

Do you change your makeup at Christmas time?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree
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Matalan Spring Summer 2011 - My Top Picks

I'm really not enjoying the cold weather we're having. So to cheers us all up, here are my favourite picks from Matalan's Spring Summer 2011 collection.

Looks great doesn't it? We have lots to look forward to!

What's your favourite look?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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The Vitality Show 2011

Tickets for the Vitality Show 2011 have gone on sale.  The Vitality Show is the UK's largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women and it has everything that a person like me gets really excited about!

It's the perfect opportunity to have a lovely day out with the girls and get some yummy pampering in there too.

The Vitality Show is being held at Earl's Court, London, from the 24th to 27th March 2011 and will be packed full of opportunities to sample new ways of pampering, shopping, healthy eating, dancing, socialising and lots lots more.

They'll be celeb guests and health and beauty experts from all the tops brands.

And here are more reasons from The Vitality Show on why you should get booking soon:

Everyone’s Favourite – The VIP Pamper Package

Back by popular demand, the hugely successful VIP Pamper Package makes you the star of the show! For just £69, you can sit back and enjoy a luxury celebrity-inspired treatment from our Return to Glory beauty team whilst enjoying a glass of chilled champagne. Your ticket gives you fast-track entry to the show, as well as the exclusive Pamper Lounge and the VIP cloakroom, and you’ll leave with your own bag of beauty goodies worth over £50!

New! The VIP Taste Package

Calling all foodies! Have your own ‘Saturday Kitchen’ style experience and enjoy a two course taster menu cooked for you by one of the hottest TV chefs in the country in the POM Wonderful Gourmet Kitchen. Then tantalise your taste-buds with a cocktail in the exclusive POM Wonderful Cocktail Lounge. Your ticket gives you access to the show and the exclusive VIP cloakroom, and you’ll leave with a goody bag worth over £50!

New! Dance Theatre

Strictly amazing! The new Dance Theatre will thrill and entertain – showcasing some of the UK’s hottest dance talent from street dance to salsa, ballet to ballroom, bangra to breakdancing. Each high energy performance will have you heading for the dancefloor!

One Life Theatre and Vitality Workshops

If you’re looking for a new direction, want a career change or simply need to get some balance in your life, the One Life Theatre is for you. With inspirational talks, tips and Vitality Workshops offering 1-2-1 time with top life-coaches and careers experts, you’re sure to leave confident and positive about the future. Entrance to all workshops must be booked and paid for in advance.

New! Make a Difference Makeovers – The Travel Pavilion

Discover a world of inspirational adventures, relaxing retreats and feel good opportunities that help make a difference to far-flung communities around the globe. Speak to the experts who can make any travel dream a reality.

New! Food Lovers Fair

FoodLoversBritain.com brings the finest food market straight to you. Feast your eyes on the freshest, tastiest morsels then sample the delights of seasonal, regional produce including all the essentials for the modern chef’s health-conscious kitchen!

New! The Wardrobe

And because we understand how much girls love bags and shoes, we’ve created a wardrobe just for you with everything from fabulous accessories to must-have shoes, the latest bags and vintage bargains so you can shop until you drop.

I have to say, I am super excited about this. It's going to be like a ReallyRee paradise! And did you know that the Vitality Show has won no less than twelve awards in the last two years? Amazing!

To book tickets visit http://www.thevitalityshow.co.uk/. Prices start at just £5.

You can also keep up with all the news on Facebook and Twitter.

I'll be there. Will you?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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The ReallyRee Christmas Gift Guide: Semple: Women, Fashion, Stories.

This is a really lovely one.

Photograph of Margaret Semple

On Tuesday I went to a very special launch. It was one for a beautiful book about the special relationships that women form with their clothes.

Young Jaegar Dress and Cojana Coat from Harrods

The book celebrates the meaning that fashion holds for many women and provides a representation of the subject free from any notion that a passion for clothes and beautiful things is a mere triviality.

I read the book and loved it. As someone obsessed with the way that clothes make me look and feel, and the difference that a fresh coat of nail polish can make, it was wonderful to feel that not only is it OK to feel so strongly about such things, but that it is actually something to treasure and remember.

Original Biba Skirt

If you have read my post about my Chanel story, you will understand how excited these things make me, but often it does make me feel a bit silly when I think of the things that other people find important. 

‘Fashion is often dismissed as a trivial distraction, but this book offers a unique insight into the relationship women have with their favourite clothes. The stories they tell form a riveting social history.’ - Janet Street-Porter.

The focus of the book

The women featured in the book are incredible women who have had amazing lives and careers, have truly contributed to this world, but still find the love of their special clothes a truly relevant and central part of their lives.

Throughout the book, we are offered examples of garments that hold memory and meaning and delight.

Dr Jan Halper-Hayes (right)

It really is a wonderful read and I would recommend is as a unique gift for a family member or close friend who has her own fashion story. Or just buy it for yourself! There is even a space at the end to write your own fashion story. So charming.

As a limited edition, the book will be available from 6th December for £20.

Maggie Semple

Do you have a special fashion story?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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The ReallyRee Christmas Gift Guide: Davina Peace Discovery Set

Davina Peace Discovery Set, £25

Another gorgeous gift I am recommending is from Davina Peace. Davina Peace has created a completely organic luxury body care range that is absolutely divine.

The ingredients all totally natural and are used together to create the most luxurious and effective products.

To read more about the range, read my post all about the beautiful launch.

The Discovery Set contains the highly nourishing Body Cream, rejuvenating Hand Cream and a miniature Spiced Punch candle.

It is an ideal present someone you know that is passionate about supporting a social responsible approach to the beauty industry.

And I can tell you that the products are really amazing. So amazing that the range was snapped up by Harrods and is available there exclusively.

How excited are you about Christmas?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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Party Nails with A Sprinkle of Gemstones!

I have been having more nail polish fun. Yes! I know I'm shallow but I consider myself lucky to be able to get pleasure from such simple things.

I've been wearing a browny purply shade for the last few days and so I had a special request from my son for some red nails. You may think that this is odd, but you know, he does have to live with me and sometimes feels as much a part of this blog as I do!

Anyway, back to the nails.

So I went with a red. It's a kind of orangey red I have from Leighton Denny called Viva La Diva.

I was liking it but it just didn't feel festive enough, and after being a bit poorly for the past few days, I decided I needed to add a but of sparkle to cheer me up.

And if you're after a bit of sparkle, all you need is Andrea Fulerton's Gemstone Overcoat. I loved the 'Night Fever' Duo and I love this one too.

Completely gorgeous, it transforms nails in seconds, is really easy to apply and hey presto... party nails. I am not going to a party.  I am actually just going to and fro from work, but hey, it's all in the attitude.

I am not sure how well it shows up in the photograph, but it's super sparkly and shines lots of different glinty colours of jewels and gemstones. I love it.

The Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique Gemstone Overcoat costs £4.99 and is available from Superdrug.

Have you tried any Andrea Fulerton yet?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree
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iPulse Live Chat on Facebook

For all those interested in iPulse hair removal, here is your very own chance to asks Anita, the iPulse expert for all the information you are keen to know.

I met Anita at the iPulse event I attended, and she is completely fabulous, extremely informed and experienced with the product, and most importantly very honest.

The live chat will be taking place on Wednesday 8th December at 12.30pm. Click here then to join the debate.

Ree

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British Fashion Awards 2010

Image: Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2000.

At today's British Fashion Awards, Alexander McQueen will posthumously receive the Outstanding Achievement Award 2010 in recognition of his amazing career.

A global success, McQueen made a name for himself with ground-breaking, daring and iconic designs that were, and still are red carpet staples.

The awards will be held at The Savoy Theatre at 6.30pm today and the ceremony will open with a film paying tribute to many of McQueen's creations.

Follow the British Fashion Awards Twitter Page here to be the first to know this year's winners.

There will be two new awards for 2010 Awards: Digital Innovation & Special Recognition. Victoria Beckham is up for the Designer Brand award. Click here for the full list of nominees.

Who will you be looking out for?

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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Matalan Press Day Spring Summer 2011

Well I haven't said much about Matalan recently, but this is truly no reflection on how I feel about the brand. I think Matalan is absolutely brilliant.

I have actually been a fan for a good few years and I love it because it really is amazing value for money, they come out with some fabulous pieces and people are always surprised when they compliment me on my outfit and I tell them it is Matalanian! I love it the most because if I go shopping there, I can literally buy everything I like without breaking the bank.

In fact, I recently dug out a black dress that I bought from Matalan a few years back (probably five) and have been massively (and I do not exaggerate) complimented on it. The general response is 'I thought you were going to say Karen Millen!'

I would write a post about this dress but it would only be a tease because it's not available anymore!

Anyway, I digress. Recently, Matalan held their Spring Summer 2011 Press Day. Sadly, I wasn't able to go but I was sent some lovely images, a lookbook and a goody bag. Yay!!

Here's a little taster for you.

The colours and the florals look amazing. I have to say, I really can't wait! I can't imagine I'll be disappointed. 

And here is the bag I was given. I have been using it to carry my netbook, my shoes for work and my sandwich. I don't want to over stuff my new baby!!

Look out for another Matalan post coming soon where I show you my fave picks from Spring Summer 2011.

How do you feel about Matalan? And what are your thoughts on carrying more than one handbag!!??

Can't wait to hear from you

Ree

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