Be Annabell*: November 2011

Monday

Daniel Galvin at The Corinthia Hotel

As soon as you step into The Corinthia Hotel in London you immediately get a sense of opulence and luxury so on my way up to the Daniel Galvin Salon I couldn't help but wonder how a hair salon would fit into such grand surroundings and what it would be like.

Opened in July this year the stunning new Daniel Galvin Salon oozes luxury and glamour like it's surroundings. A neutral space which relaxes guests and provides a hairdressing experience that allows you to forget the hustle & bustle of London going on around you. I was invited to try out a 'Veg' dye and blow dry, see the before and after below.

Before - Flat as a pancake!

After - Muchos Volume!

Daniel Galvin Salon at The Corinthia Hotel

I was really impressed by the friendliness of the staff and their hairdressing skills. I had a gorgeous blow dry that was finished off with rollers to create maximum volume, but because my hair is rubbish 20 minutes after stepping out of the salon it was flat as a pancake!! With the dye I opted to go just a shade darker to add a richness to my mousey brown locks. If I were to have it done again I would definitely go a lot darker, although there was a slight difference in colour I would have liked to have seen more of an effect. Over all I would definitely recommend the Daniel Galvin Salon at The Corinthia Hotel for special occasions and for those who like to be pampered in style! I came away feeling great and wanting to stay there longer.

Hidden behind a nearly invisible door just outside the Salon is possibly one of the best makeover rooms in the world - The Ultimate Makeover room provides high profile guests with complete discretion and an uber luxurious space in which to be pampered and preened. It contains two screens offering a choice of live TV or the pick of over 100 of the most iconic films to inspire and entertain guests. Specialist lighting that imitates everything from camera flashes to outdoor lighting insures that looks are created to suit particular scenarios. The room also works as a fully functioning office for those who wish to speak to family or agents whilst getting their hair done and with stylists and staff waiting on you hand and foot what more could you want?! If you've got a super star budget for a special occasion I definitely recommend trying this out and taking me with you!

The Ultimate Makeover Room

Have you been to The Corinthia Hotel or the Daniel Galvin Salo? What do you think?

B x

River Island Spring/Summer 2012

I popped into River Island's Spring/Summer 2012 press day last week. As one of my favourite highstreet stores I couldn't wait to get a peek at what they have to offer next season - they certainly didn't disappoint.

Trends include;

Miami - Over the top prints inspired by Latin America
Spring Break - Logo tees, printed shorts, this is a preppy trend with an edge
Prairie - Western inspired, fringing, crochet, a carefree hippy style.
Ethnic - A play on tribal patterns and embroidery
Purist - An androgynous take on sports luxe, monochrome tailoring mixed with pastels & metallics
Sugar - A very girly vibe, pretty pinks and pastels

I wanted to share my sneak peek with you all.... check out the pics (there's quite a few!!) Let me know your favourite bits, mine are the tribal inspired pieces, especially the tassel dress!

B x

River Island Spring/Summer 2012

Sunday

Dune Launches Limited Edition ‘Sparkling Shoe’ In Aid Of Teenage Cancer Trust

Dune has announced the launch of their limited edition "Sparkling Shoes" in collaboration with UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust. The “Sparkling Shoes” are a stunning multi pink fine glitter court shoe perfect for getting the party season started!

Available in all Dune stores and online at www.dune.co.uk now, the limited edition shoes are priced at £90 and for every pair that is sold £50 will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust!

Every day six teenagers are told they have cancer. Teenage Cancer Trust believes young people shouldn’t stop being teenagers just because they have cancer. So the charity builds units in NHS hospitals that offer young people specialist care, bringing them together so they can support each other in an environment suited to their needs.

As well as specialist units, Teenage Cancer Trust also funds a number of services all with the same goal – to help young people fight cancer. These include clinical and research staff, an education programme for schools, family support networks and an annual conference for young cancer patients in Nottingham.

The limited edition "Sparkling Shoes" are available to buy in Dune stores nationwide and online at www.dune.co.uk now!

B x

Dune - Limited Edition Sparkling Shoes in Collaboration with Teenage Cancer Trust

Saturday

MEET CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN!!

If you're as much of a shoe fiend as I am here is an event that is truly unmissable!! Christian Louboutin, the man behind the most sought after shoes on the planet will be at Harvey Nichols on Thursday 24th November signing copies of his new book and you're all invited!

The new book details Louboutin's life in fashion over the last 20 years and includes pictures of some of his most elaborate designs.

The book signing takes place from 5-7pm on Thursday 24th November - see you there!

B x

Christian Louboutin Book

The Christmas Collection from Pied A Terre

Christmas is well and truly upon us, the lights are on, the red cups are in at Starbucks and the Christmas collections are hitting the shelves. The most recent festive collection to catch my eye is by Pied A Terre, the stylish shoe brand has launched a range of glamourous heels perfect for the party season. With statement embellished sandals, metallic peep toes and velvet platforms in luxury jewel tones Pied A Terre have the perfect party shoes to match any outfit! Which one is your favourite?

Pied A Terre - Alken Metallic Peep-toe £130

Pied A Terre - Ankerite Velvet Heels £130

Pied A Terre - Jackelyn Cut Away Detail Sandals £130

Pied A Terre - Joleen Embellished T-bar Sandals £140

The collection also includes a glamorous range of clutch bags to match each shoe....all thats left now is to find the perfect dress!

B x

Javari.co.uk presents ‘Shoes for Show: The Sculptural Art of High Heels’

Fancy getting up close and personal to Beyonce’s futuristic Gareth Pugh heels as seen in her ‘Girls’ video. Or casting your eyes over the highest pair of Louboutin’s ever made?

From the 4th - 8th November online shoe store Javari.co.uk are exhibiting some of the most exciting and creative shoes in the world in their Shoes for Show exhibition featuring one-off pairs of statement heels loaned by fashion’s finest including Daphne Guinness, Nicholas Kirkwood, Christian Louboutin, Gareth Pugh and many more. The exhibition highlights heels to to be appreciated for their beauty, rather than their function and gives you a chance to see exclusive couture pieces up close.

Shoes for Show is a FREE! public exhibition running from 4th-8th November at the Loading Bay, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL from 11am - 7pm and 11am - 5pm on Sunday.