Wow! Jewels for Christmas – London

Wow! Jewels for Christmas, is an exhibition of contemporary jewellery that is going to be a real treasure trove for anyone looking for a beautiful and unique Christmas present for someone special. French designer Catherine Marche will be showcasing her recent creations alongside the WOW collective of jewellers, at Craft Central, Farringdon, London. Eight talented designers are coming together for their third Christmas show, each jeweller has a personal and distinctive style, so you can be sure a Wow! Jewels show will have a tempting variety of jewellery to offer, from delicate and pretty to boldly elegant.

Jewellery designers in the Wow! Jewels group include Alexandra Simpson, Debbie Carlton, Emma Rose, Keren Cornelius, Lucy Sylvester, Olga Konopka, Rosemary Lucas and Catherine Marche. They met during the first Coutts London Jewellery week as they exhibited together and decided to merge their talents to form the WOW Jewels collective.

The event is open 12-6pm from Tuesday to Friday December 7th to 10th, with a late night on the Thursday until 7:30pm. Craft Central is located at 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M 4DS.

Catherine Marche – French inspired accessories

Fuelled by her inner Parisienne, Catherine Marche designs jewellery to look simply, stunningly gorgeous.The elegant and feminine creations in her collection add fabulous style for anyone from the fashionista to the office executive. With a passion for colour, and soft lines, she created a versatile collection of  limited editions rings, engagement and wedding rings, earrings, chains, cuffs in 18k gold and sterling silver adorned with dazzling semi-precious gemstones and shimmering pearls.

Catherine Marche

Catherine Marche designs and hand makes limited edition and bespoke jewellery is characterised by its chic and elegance, with a hint of French playfulness. Catherine explains her collection is for everyone “everyone deserves to look and feel stunning with beautiful and playful pieces, to enhance their inner beauty and be a statement of the mood of the moment”.

Born in Paris and raised internationally, Catherine has been influenced by her environment. After a career as an IT consultant, artist and fashion illustrator, she decided to follow her passion and set up as a jeweller. Her elegant and stylish work reflects her love for soft lines, simplicity and colour. Catherine Marche received a Getting Started award from the Goldsmiths’ Company and was shortlisted for Holts academy of Jewellery award and a finalist for the Precious award.

The Collection – a sneak preview

Catherine Marche, designer jewellery

Some of these jewels are made of Vermeil, a layer of 18 carat gold on top of sterling silver, the chance to be able to wear durable and lovely decadent pieces of gold without the usual gold tag price. Featuring, Bubbly ring, 18K gold Vermeil one-off ring, Waves Bracelet, 18 carat gold vermeil. Long handmade Vermeil chain made with irregular links as a reminder of Nature’s sense of perfection. Sterling silver Stacking rings from the Blum collection. Catherine March jewellery features long sterling silver chain adorned with natural Botswana agate and opulent carnelian earrings.

Catherine Marche, designer jewellery

The Catherine Marche Volutes Cuff is made in sterling silver. Inspired by wallpaper motives and made by photo-etching, a technique usually used in printed electronic circuit boards. The brushed finish accentuates the texture and pattern to give understated elegance to the wearer.

The Catherine Marche By The Pond ring is a sterling silver, 18carat yellow gold and blue topaz ring, inspired by Farniente, a sunny day at a lake.

Photo credit Electronic Market Squares for Catherine Marche collection

Alexandra Simpson – another designer

Alexandra Simpson will also be featuring at the WOW! Jewels for Christmas event. Alexandra explains her influence for the collection, “I am influenced by the beauty, lines, fantasy and romance of Art Nouveau and nature and love items that stimulate all the senses. This necklace rings like a little fairy bell.”

Alexandra Simpson, elegant jewellery

The Fushia Necklace with Diamond is hand sculpted and made in 18 carat gold with diamonds. It is modelled on an miniature daffodil and then using characteristics of a fuchsia made into Alexandra’s own version of  ’Fushia’. The Double Violet Necklace is inspired by violet flowers along with the movement you can get from mobiles.

Alexandra explained “I wanted to make something a substantial size but still have delicate quality about it. This range I call my fun, flirty double violet range which also has Art Nouveau influences and is simple and elegant. Thus range follows the philosophy KISS – keep it simple stupid!”

Make sure you head to the Wow! Jewels for Christmas event to pick up some spectacular jewellery.

The LadyM Presents team love shopping, understandably, but always feel a bit stuck when it comes to buying gifts for loved ones who have it all. That’s why, when we heard about Experience Days we knew we’d come across something great.

Experience Days – experience the difference

The team at Experience Days offer a vast array of fabulous gifts ranging from as little as £6 for a child’s tour of Arsenal’s Emirates stadium for your footie mad nephew, to becoming a fully qualified skydiver for the price of £1,699.

There are plenty of gift choices to choose from in the categories of Days Out, Adventure, Gourmet, Pamper Days, Driving, Flying and Water Sports adventures. Definitely one to keep in the favourites of your internet browser, when you are searching inspiration for the perfect gift for your loved one.

Afternoon Tea for Two – the perfect experience

The team at LadyM Presents decided to hot foot it to the Park Lane Marriott hotel in London for a delicious Royal Afternoon Tea at the five star London hotel.  The treat for two for just £56 was a sumptuous bargain.

The Park Lane Marriott - be treated

The staff welcomed us with a Kir Royal and as we sipped our champagne we sat in the lap of luxury. Going on to enjoy an afternoon of tea including homemade scones, cute sandwiches without the crusts and the loveliest little patisseries you will ever seen.

Royal Afternoon Tea for Two - Delightful!

Mrs Lady M described the afternoon as “simply wonderful, such a nice treat”, the only consideration was that we needed a box to take those treats home that we couldn’t quite manage to work our way through!

The Marriott Afternoon tea for two is also available at their hotels in Bournemouth, Ware in Hertfordshire and Manchester.  Check out all that Experience Days have to offer.

Mistletoe & Silk

Mistletoe and Silk arrives at Beauberry House on the 12th December 2010 in Dulwich. The event features a fabulous Ladies Christmas Shop and Pamper and Party afternoon.  This chance for relaxation and pampering with a touch of fashion, pre-Christmas is now available courtesy of Cherry Picked Styling and the fashion website Youlovefashion.com.

Mistletoe & Silk - Champagne & vintage fashion combined

Cherry Picked Styling is a service designed to wrap around the real you; your figure, your budget and your needs. The team emphasise that you don’t have to be a celebrity to have a styling session, but that they want to make you feel like one. With their knowledge of the best sources of Vintage and Second Hand fashion, they can work with almost any budget.

Mistletoe & Silk at Beauberry House

Join the party from 12pm at the gorgeous Beauberry House, West Dulwich. Tickets are £8 in advance, £11 on the door and include live music, a burlesque performance, a Christmas Cupcake and a glass of mulled wine and can be booked through ooh.com.

“Ladies, it’ll be the most glamorous way to Christmas shop you’ll ever find.  You can get pampered at affordable prices and party in a manor house, all at the same time,” said Nicola Carley, Director of Cherry Picked Styling.

Pick up your Christmas cupcake and glass of mulled wine to fuel your shopping in the Youlovefashion.com Bazaar with its vintage and independent designer clothing, unusual gifts, jewellery and more.  Devour on a Christmas cocktail whilst you have your tarot cards read and take in the outfits on the Cherry Picked Modern Vintage Catwalk Show.

Mistletoe & Silk at Beauberry House

There will be a charity raffle in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability and at the end of a tough afternoon of shopping you can treat yourself to a treatment in the relaxation haven of the Cherry Picked Pop Up Pamper Parlour before the event hots up with a burlesque show from Lady Cheek of The Cheek of it! school of burlesque.

“Mistletoe and Silk promises to be our grandest event yet.  It’ll be a vintage style Christmas affair to remember meeting all your festive needs from personal shopping to gift wrapping.” Roisin Wilson, founder of youlovefashion.com

The event will be held at Beauberry House, 1 Gallery Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 7AB, tickets can be booked through ooh.com, find out more at www.cherrypickedstyling.com

The LadyM Presents team have been hard at work finding the “must-have” gifts to put on your Christmas Wish List this year. They may be for your own list or the gifts you will buy for others, there is something here to suit any style and any budget.

Christmas Wish List – your guide to the ultimate Christmas gifts

The perfect gift ideas for those hard to buy for friends and family members. From luxury, fun, exquisite or simple, there is something for everyone.  We have broken it down into price point sections to make it easier to search within your budget.  Make those gifts under the tree this year, stylish and impressive with the Christmas Wish List from LadyM Presents.

Let LadyM help you with your Christmas gift ideas this year

Plus we have three fragrances from the new Sugababes collection to give away; Tempt, Tease  & Touch, just enter our competition at the end of the wish list.

Over £250 – Push the Boat Out

• Chantry Clutch in Denim – Milo & Saint £340
• KitchenAid Artisan Coffee Maker in classic cream – John Lewis £599
• Angel Champagne – Vanquish £250
• Ileana Makri Lace 18-karat rose gold diamond ring – Net-A-Porter £8,070

Under £250

• Drive a Gallardo LP560-4 v Aston Martin V8  - Experience Days £225
• Diane Von Furstenberg Mariela printed laptop case – Net-A-Porter £100
• 1940s Green and Black Lace Gown – Gently Worn Vintage £100
• The Orb Clutch, perfect for classic racing or evening glam – Mimco £110

Under £100

• Teardrop Beaded Tunic – Mint Velvet £89
• Gentlemen’s Gift Set – Otis Batterbee £95
• Safekeeping Capelet- Anthropologie £98
• Ultimate Skin Hamper – Liz Earle £94

Under £50

• Alex Clear Chandelier Earrings – Preshhus £30
• Kylie at Home Oralee Candle  - House of Fraser £26
• Wide brim floppy hat  - Zara £25.99
• Green Vine Cufflink and Collar Stay Set  - Simply Cufflinks £40

Under £20

• Sugababes Fragrance Tempt, Tease & Touch  - The Perfume Shop £19.99 100ml
• Personalised Hanging Wooden Hearts – Painted with Love £14.50 Order by 15th November and get a special offer
• Luella’s Guide to English Style – Amazon £10.99
• Kings & Queens Shower Gels 300ml £5 available now from Waitrose, Superdrug, Bath and Unwind

Sugababes Fragrance Competition

The fragrances were launched exclusively in The Perfume Shop on the 18th of September and are now available from Debenhams, Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacies. They are all priced at £19.99 for a 100ml bottle. A gift set has also just been brought out which would be a fantastic gift for Christmas which is £24.99 and includes a 100ml bottle and a 150ml body lotion.

The collection, consisting of three divinely blended essences: Tempt, Tease and Touch are spirited, uplifting, and perfect for the modern young woman.

For your chance to win one of the fragrances (we have one of each to give away), simply answer this question then join the Official Facebook group for Sugababes Fragrances.

Winners will be drawn at random on Friday 26th November 2010, subject to entrants joining the Facebook group. Winners will be notified by email.

Gentlemen have been getting socks for Christmas for many years, normally a present of dread but this year, men, that pair of socks for Christmas could be from Tabio, a brand of socks you will want in your sock drawer. Ladies have their own dedicated Tabio range too and this ingenious Japanese label is the height of luxury in the footwear department.

Tabio – The history

Tabio is an online and instore Socks and Tights Speciality Store. The label was established as a premium store brand, and is now expanding worldwide. In July 2001 Tabio was established company in the UK and by March 2002 they opened flagship store on London’s Kings Road. Now their fabulous collections can be bought online at the Tabio website.

Tabio came about when the Founder Mr Ochi left his regular job in 1968 to start a wholesale trading house that specialized in socks, originally called Dan, many years Later Tabio is turning into a exciting new brand in the socks and tights industry. Tabio stands for “The Trend And the Basics In Order”. Tabio also means to travel around the world in Japanese and to evolve socks (old type of socks are called Tabi in Japan).

Mr Ochi’s thoughts on having a sound product to work upon. “A product should be a joy, bringing happiness equally to the manufacturer, seller, and purchaser. If the product makes the manufacturer and seller happy, but not the purchaser, your business has strayed from the honourable path.”

The LadyM Presents team had the delight and comfort of testing out some of the fabulous footwear available from Tabio; here’s an insight into this funky foot fashion company’s best pieces;

Tights

Tights come in all ranges of colours, styles and patterns. Get creative this winter with diamond patterned tights in a gorgeous navy. The tights are opaque and very comfortable. They have a lovely diamond pattern and a beautiful colour range so that they can go with any styles of fashion. The tights will look great with boots or pumps. Why not try the Flower tights, designed to look like flower ivy and give a delightful elegant appearance.

Tights from Tabio

Toe Socks

Fantastic toe-socks featuring rubber grips to reduce slip are the next best thing this winter, fun and functional, if not a bit silly. These T-Shirt striped toe socks from Tabio are cotton rich toe socks with a classic stripy pattern. They are 96% cotton and very comfortable. You can wear them with sandals or any kind of shoes and reap the benefits of wearing toe socks.

Toe Socks from Tabio

The benefits of wearing toe socks; “Associate Professor Adachi researched the effects of wearing toe socks. The results said toe socks improve circulation much more than normal socks. Also, after taking off toe socks, foot temperature drops only moderately compared to when removing normal socks.”

Sockettes/Footsies

Got a pair of amazing flats or wonderful wedges but want the extra comfort of a sock or stocking whilst wearing them? Why not try the Sockette – available strapless or with popular strap covers, these are specialised cushioned socks with low rise edges and toes, perfect for wearing inside your flats, wedges, or pumps. They are made of 80% cotton, provide a very soft touch and great comfort! They come in a variety of colours and styles to suit your footwear.

Sockettes from Tabio

Knee Socks

A LadyM Presents team favourite are the knee high and over the knee socks, in cotton or a merino wool mix, for extra warmth and in a variety of styles and colours. Don’t just wear black tights for the winter months, layer up with some fabulous knee high socks in sumptuous burgundy with an antique rose print design, ideal for wearing with dress or high heels. Those with a mixed merino wool will keep your legs warm in cold weather.

Knee Socks from Tabio

Leg Warmers

Think less of the 80′s and more of this season’s key accessory , these up to date leg warmers are fabulous for keeping your shins warm when you’ve got this seasons ankle boots on, or if you need a little something hip and trendy to add definition to your look. Whether its long fur or dark metallic, Tabio legwarmers are a great way to add depth and warmth to your winter wardrobe, they come in fringed, stirruped, striped, chunky knit and a variety of colours to team with your outfit.

Legwarmers from Tabio

Tabio also stock a mens range of toe socks, room socks, trainer socks and formal socks and have been worn by Keira Knightley British Vogue and have also been featured in Elle Magazine. Get your winter warmth from their website.

Traffic People

Traffic People – Fashion Focused

This Autumn/Winter the Traffic People collection really is fabulous – here are some key pieces:

All That Shimmers Dress, at Traffic People

The All That Shimmers Dress at £45 is a fantastic sophisticated piece that can be accessorised up with elegant statement jewellery or kept smart for the office with some sleek black court heels.

Working Girl Rumour Top, at Traffic People

The Working Girl Rumour Top is totally in for autumn/winter in a rich tobac hue. Loose fitting, draped top in a classic style that can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans, perfect for a girly shopping day that will finish in cocktails £45

Soutfork-Barnes Dress, at Traffic People

The sublime Southfork-Barnes Dress is a satin-look sculptured piece that is divine and perfect for a sunday lunch with the in-laws or a relaxed look for the monday morning meeting. A tulip skirt and sculpted short-sleeves in a gorgeous milk chocolate. £45

Jane Eyre Purity Dress, at Traffic People

The Jane Eyre Purity Dress would be fitting in an episode of Mad Men, elegant lady-like fashion. In a sumptuous rich navy. A gorgeous vintage inspired sheer design, sleeves gathered at the cuff and a cinched in waistband. Truly fabulous £79

Flowers and Fantasies Snug Dress, at Traffic People

We love the print on this Flowers and Fantasies Snug Dress £59 – Its an ultra feminine dress but perfect for winter as it is 10% wool and has a classic polo neck. Match it with colourful heels for a great look this winter

Traffic People also features a Men’s collection and regularly runs competitions as well as offering gift vouchers. It’s an online boutique that definitely has great fashion sense.