orangelove

(Photo: www.marieaustralia.com/blue-formal-dresses)

That Oxford Fashion Week has become a massively important feature in the city’s calendar is irrefutable, but it’s knock-on effects are less well known.

For Rosie Dennington, showcasing her designs on the first OFW catwalk in 2009 was a huge turning point, installing in her 17-year-old self an unshakeable faith that she could and would have a career in fashion.

So when her cream ball gown was featured in Vanity Fair’s September 2014 issue, worn by Helena Bonham Carter and shot by Mario Testino, it was confirmed as a wise decision.

“I was credited between Louis Vuitton and Burberry and thought I’d like to see more of that,” the 23-year-old from Eynsham laughs.

“But of all the people to wear my clothes, Helena Bonham Carter has always been my style icon and was top of my list. Her attitude to fashion is that if it makes you feel good you should wear it and you should never be answerable to everyone else.

“I feel exactly the same. I have always been a bit of an oddball.”

Rosie’s future changed when she was accepted to showcase three designs at the first Oxford Fashion Week.

“OFW gave me an unshakeable belief that this is what I should be doing, because I don’t want to be a flash-in-the-pan; I’m in it for the long haul.”

Helena Bonham Carter has become a wonderful mentor, says Rosie.

“They say you should never meet your idols, but Helena Bonham Carter is very funny, kind and supportive and I have taken her advice on board.

“I wouldn’t be happy designing T-shirt shapes all day for someone else, or stitching up another designer’s dresses, so I’ve been working with the Prince’s Trust for the past year and hope to have my own business soon.”

In the meantime, Rosie is in the midst of London Fashion Week, showing her new collection, and her future looks enormously promising.

Six months ago, it was a different story. Despite graduating top of her class with a first, she had to shelve her dreams and take a job in a charity shop in Botley Road. But she was still creating her designs by night.

Rosie had dropped out of sixth form at Bartholomew Schhol, Eynsham, despite being an A* pupil, to do a BTEC National Diploma in fashion and clothing at City of Oxford College. She took her work to Oxford Fashion Week before studying costume design and corsetry at Birmingham University.

“My work is all about fantasy, fairytale and escapism. But yes, in terms of what I want, the sky’s the limit. I’d love to see my clothes in Harrods and on the red carpet.”

Rosie has a refreshing approach to fashion, refusing to follow trends and always using several plus-size models.

“My ethos is that everybody deserves to feel beautiful, regardless of their age or size, because fashion can be such an awful industry. If I can make a difference to that and make it more diverse, I’ll be happy.

“But, in terms of my future, I will never give up. I would encourage anyone to try out Oxford Fashion Week, because it is a great platform for local models and designers.”Read more at: www.marieaustralia.com/pink-formal-dresses

(Photo: formal evening dresses)

Michelle Keegan's fiancé spots her collections being worn by other people before she sees them.

The 27-year-old actress-turned-fashion designer - who releases her latest range, Lipsy Loves Michelle Keegan, on Thursday (05.03.15) - doesn't have any trouble seeing her garments on others while out and about if she is with future husband Mark Wright because he knows her wares "like the back of his hand".

When asked if the former 'The Only Way is Essex' star has had much involvement in her latest Lipsy collection, she exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "He hasn't helped but with Mark knows what pieces of my collection are out there. He points them out before I see them these days.

"He'll know if a girl is wearing a dress in my collection, he'll say, 'That's your dress.' So he obviously does know the collection like the back of his hand."

And Mark appears to have been very busy of late as Michelle admits she sees her collection being worn by people all the time and is always pleasantly surprised.

She added: "It never gets old seeing people wearing my collections. I was on holiday not long ago and a complete stranger who was foreign was actually wearing one of the dresses and I was trying to explain to her but she didn't understand.

"Once I went to a restaurant and saw three girls wearing dresses from the collection and I was sat around having my food and I just couldn't believe it."Read more at: cocktail dresses

Fashion Week is taking over Milan and spring break is just around the corner, so WCCO This Morning is celebrating a full week of fashion fun

As models walk the runways across Europe in places like Milan and Paris, WCCO’s Ali Lucia takes you inside ASI Museum shop for a trunk show filled with color and creativity.

“I usually have about ten different hats I am working on at any given time,” Anna Lee, owner and designer of Ruby3 Hats, said.

The hats and head pieces are all made by Lee, a St. Paul based milliner and designer whose eye for fedoras and fashion started early on.

“Why Hats?” Lee said. “I’ve always loved hats since I was a little girl.”

While working at Target she keeps her part time passion alive through her business and makes it a goal to put together about three different lines a year.

“This is where I get to work with more the sculptural elements in with a basic hat. This is where I have quite a bit of fun,” Lee said.

You can’t have hats without mittens and that’s Mona White’s specialty.

“I’ve been sewing at a machine ever since I was 5-years-old,” White said.

From her Minneapolis basement, she’s sewn all kinds of things.

Her first New Year’s themed mitten for her daughter was a big hit. That’s when she realized these hand warmers had staying power. The glitzy winter apparel isn’t just for a night out, but rather those cold winter nights when you might be cheering on your favorite team.

Two creators with one thing in common.

“They’re simple, they’re easy to work with and it’s something you produce and it’s done in a short span of time,” said Mona.

“Right now, I’m really able to focus on creating just a small side business that gratifies my heart,” Lee said.

The mittens are $23 and the hats vary in price depending on style.Read more at: www.marieaustralia.com/one-shoulder-formal-dresses| www.marieaustralia.com/mermaid-trumpet-formal-dresses

(Photo: navy blue formal dress)

As temperatures soar, we bust some mercury myths to fortify you against heat hassles

Summer is here. For Mumbai, this means gearing up for war against the unforgiving heat. While city folk have a reverse, yet equally obsessive, stance as the countrymen in a Game of Thrones episode when it comes to their concern over changing weather conditions, are we well-informed?

MYTH: EATING RIPE MANGOES WILL CAUSE HEAT BOILS

FALSE

According to Dr Bina Chheda, medical nutrition therapist at Cumballa Hill Hospital and Heart Institute, "No fruit or food, not even mangoes, can cause extra heat in the body. There is no scientific evidence to back it. The boils depend on an individual's constitution and environment."

So don't go making accusatory statements against the king of fruits lest you be banished for treason.

When well-wishers advise you to eat more cucumber and watermelon, fruits that are high in water content, know that it is an adjunct solution. It is a good idea to increase your intake of water. Sip on water or nibble on iceberg lettuce, celery and radish that are high in water content.

MYTH: BAKING SODA IN BATHWATER HELPS RELIEVE HEAT RASH

TRUE

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel, says baking soda can remedy prickly heat by helping relieve itching. It works as an exfoliating agent by removing dead skin, dirt and other impurities. This relieves the itching and inflamma tion associated with prickly heat.Oatmeal is another popular treatment due to its anti-irritating, antiinflammatory and soothing properties. It will offer a soothing effect on the skin and instant relief from inflammation and itching.

MYTH: EATING SPICY FOOD WILL HELP COOL YOU DOWN

FALSE

Spicy food doesn't lower your body temperature, but green chillies can help indirectly. Chillies are known to increase metabolic rate, which produces heat in the body. As a result, you are more likely to drink water after consuming a meal with chillies that leaves you sweating. But here, it's the water that is doing the work, not the chillies.

MYTH: IF I'M STILL URINATING SWEATING, I DON'T HAVE A HEAT STROKE

FALSE

It's a common misconception that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are only serious when the kidneys stop producing urine. Waiting for that to happen can be a mistake.Instead, be on the lookout for the early warning signs -dizziness, exhaustion, confusion, lack of appetite, headache, and, of course, excessive thirst. "Since there is a thermal imbalance in the body in case of heat stroke, just urinating or sweating won't necessarily prevent heat stroke.Heat stroke is caused when the internal temperature of the body reaches dangerous level and can cause severe damage or even death," says Goel.

MYTH: FAN, NOT AC, IS THE BEST WAY TO STAVE OFF HEAT STROKE

FALSE

During a heat wave, fans alone won't provide enough cool air, especially for older adults and young children, whose thermo-regulation systems don't work as well in extreme temperatures. They need extra attention, and staying in an air-conditioned facility is safest. "Fans are not necessarily the best way to waive off heat stroke. In fact, AC is conditioned and temperature controlled air, so it is more soothing. However, the only drawback of the AC is that prolonged exposure or very cold temperature can cause skin to dry.Maintain the AC temperature at 22-24 degrees and humidify the room," says Goel.

MYTH: RAIN CURES PRICKLY HEAT

TRUE

"Rain water may cause temporary soothing action for the patient. When a person has prickly heat, the sweat ducts get blocked. A good exfoliation followed by a cold shower and water based moisturiser is better," explains Goel. A cool shower would also do well to relieve the discomfort.

MYTH: SPORTS DRINKS BEAT THE HEAT

TRUE

Sports drinks will give you the same water and electrolytes that aam panna and nimbu pani will. Except it comes with a price mark-up, says Chheda. It is a good idea to sip on fennel seeds soaked in water or cumin seeds boiled in water through the day. Make popsicles to entice yourself. Or soak mint leaves in soak mint leaves in water to add flavour and encourage you to continue sipping periodically.

Keeping your body hydrated is even more important in the summer as you will lose more water through sweat. Chheda's advice is to keep an eye on the colour of your urine. It should be pale yellow to water colour. If it gets darker, it is a sign that your body needs more water. The medi cally prescribed water requirement is 35 to 50 ml per kg body weight.The right amount of water you need to consume also depends on your muscle mass and the environment where you spend most of your day. If you have a fever or infection, your water require ment increases.

But do not overdo it. Over hydration or water intoxication is a real danger. It can throw the balance of water and sodium in the body off, causing vomit ing, pain and fluctuating blood pressure. Read more here: one shoulder formal dresses

(Photo: long formal dresses)

That's all you need to loosen up before a strenuous workout.

Perform some of these easy-to-follow, yet extremely effective, stretches, before a workout. They also work well to make a fitter and flexible you.

1. BHUJANGASAN

Yoga's bhujangasan (remonikered the swan stretch) is an easy pose that gives a good stretch to both, your pelvic region and lower back. Facedown on floor with hands in front of shoulders, legs together and extended behind you. Keeping abs engaged, lengthen upper body away from the mat. Draw shoulder blades together, open the chest. Hold for 30 seconds; release. Do five reps.

OPENS UP: Shoulders, back, chest, abs, obliques, hip flexors

2. HIP FLEXOR

Lunge right leg forward, so that your right knee is bent 90 degrees in front of you, right foot is flat on floor directly under knee, and left leg is still bent underneath. Place both hands on top of right knee and press back hip forward, leaning into stretch, torso upright. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat the sequence on the other side.

OPENS UP: Hip flexors, quads, hamstrings

3. BRIDGE WITH LEG REACH

Lie face up on floor with knees bent 90 degrees, feet flat on the ground, arms extended by the side. Extend right leg in front of you, then lift hips toward ceiling until you form a diagonal line.Lift right leg straight up towards ceiling. After 10 reps, repeat on the other side.

OPENS UP: Chest, abs, hip flexors, glutes, legs

4. TRUNK TWIST

Sit tall on floor, abs engaged, and legs extended and together in front of you. Rotate ribcage to right, keeping nose in line with breastbone and abs engaged. Lift ribcage off hips to rotate further to right, wisting as far as possible.Return to center; repeat to left to complete one rep. Do 10 such alternate repetitions.

OPENS UP: Back, abs, obliques

5. FOLD-OVER STRETCH

Stand tall with feet six inches apart, knees slightly bent, arms by your side. Exhale as you bend forward from hips, lowering head to ward floor, while keeping head, neck and shoulders relaxed. Wrap arms around backs of legs and hold for 45 seconds. Bend knees and roll up slowly to release.

OPENS UP: Neck, back, glutes, hamstrings, calves

6. BADHAKONASANA

Sit tall on floor with soles of feet together, knees bent out to sides. Grasp feet with hands, engage abs, and lower body toward feet, and then holding there for 45 seconds to two minutes. Slowly release. If this butterfly stretch is uncomfortable for you, elevate hips onto a bolster.

OPENS UP: Neck, back, glutes, hamstrings, calves

7. RECLINING PIGEON

Lie face-up with knees bent, feet flat on floor. Cross flexed right foot over left thigh, hook arms around left hamstring, and lift left foot a few inches. Gently pull right leg in toward you, until you feel a stretch; hold for 45 seconds to two minutes. Lower back to start, switch legs and repeat.

OPENS UP: Lower back, hips, glutes, hamstrings

8. TRICEPS STRETCH

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms extended overhead.Bend right elbow so right palm lands on upper back. Reach left hand over to grasp just below right elbow. Gently pull elbow back and to ward head; hold for about 45 seconds.Switch arms and repeat.

OPENS UP: neck, shoulders, back, abs, triceps. Read more here: celebrity dresses

(Photo: formal dresses online)

Yves Saint Laurent, born in Algeria, 1936-2008, and Halston, born Roy Halston Frowick in Des Moines, Iowa, 1932-1990, were two designers who defined and dominated fashion during the 1970s, as “Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the ’70s,” showing at the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) until April 18 aptly demonstrates.

It was an era that saw not only the rise of feminism and the counterculture, but the demise of haute couture and the ascendance of designer-led fashion brands. Interestingly, those shifting sands of social change inspired and preoccupied the two most important design minds across the Atlantic in similar ways, and at the same time.

Both designers launched branded fragrances: YSL’s Opium and Rive Gauche, were both smash hits as was Halston’s eponymous scent in a teardrop bottle designed by Elsa Peretti. Both had fabulous homes documented in magazines: Halston, a New York townhouse; YSL, dream apartments in Paris and Marrakech.

Both dressed celebrities: in YSL’s case, a couple of the sumptuous pieces on display are on loan from Paloma Picasso and Grace Mirabella; in Halston’s, who started out making pillbox hats for Jacqueline Kennedy, from the estate of Lauren Bacall before becoming celebrities themselves — and succumbing, too young, to the ravages of the celebrity lifestyle.

Indeed, the earliest pieces in the show, a grouping of ’40s-inspired print chiffon jumpsuits and sinuous draped jersey gowns made at the beginning of the decade that any of us would be thrilled to toss on and wear right out the door are hard to pin down as the work of one designer or the other.

With the introduction of le Smoking, the tuxedo for women in 1966, followed by beautifully cut trousers for women and the safari jacket, Yves Saint Laurent responded to the changing needs and desires of the newly liberated woman. Halston did as well, with his sleek ultrasuede looks and his invention of the shirtdress — a brilliantly minimal innovation that has been copied and updated countless times.

Both were inspired by the restless exoticism of the ’70s, seeking inspiration in ethnic styles: for YSL, in the exquisite ornament and colour combinations of Russia and China; for Halston, in the body-conscious, bias-cut draping of native and tribal garments from Asia and Africa.

If there was a difference between the two, it lay in construction: brought up in the House of Dior, the apparent fluidity of YSL’s clothing disguised a rather rigid traditional tailoring underneath, while Halston, in his search for fluidity, seemed to anticipate modern minimalism by doing away with linings and inner structures, and rejecting such standard devices as darts and waistbands.

At the core of this difference was the distinction between an American, stripped-down and supple approach and the high romanticism and ornamental theatricality of continental Europe — a tension which came to a battle of the brands at the Palace of Versailles of all places, in 1973 (a worthwhile documentary film called Versailles 73which chronicles the event, was released in 2013) where the New York Times hailed the Americans as the unlikely winners.

Critically, since, however, it is YSL who has been the darling: a retrospective of his work, curated by Diana Vreeland, opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the same year (1984) Halston launched his disastrous line at J.C. Penney, and was subsequently dropped from the likes of Bergdorf Goodman, before being forced to step down from his own company. At FIT, the clothing of both designers is sensuous and still sophisticated, particularly a plunging ivory sequin gown from Halston (1974), and a bronze metallic peasant dress from YSL’s stunning “Opium” collection. Yet as this show demonstrates, it is ultimately the light touch of Halston, the former milliner from Des Moines, who perhaps changed fashion forever.

That the great minds at FIT chose to open this particular show during New York Fashion week provides a sharp contrast to the revivalist mentality of today’s designers, who, unlike the free-thinking innovators here on show, seem stuck on an endless loop of replay. In particular, their current infatuation with all things ’70s for spring 2015 making the two late designers appear au courant — nearly half a century later.Read more at: cocktail dresses

(Photo: formal dresses adelaide)

A protein found in tilapia fish could heal skin wounds, finds a new study.

Applying collagen -- a major structural protein in animals -- to wounds can help encourage skin to heal faster, said researcher Xiumei Mo from Donghua University in Shanghai, China.

But when the protein dressing comes from mammals such as cows and pigs, it has the potential to transmit conditions such as foot-and-mouth disease.

Searching for an alternative source of collagen, the researchers developed nanofibres from tilapia collagen and used them to cover skin wounds on rats.

The rats with the nanofibre dressing healed faster than those without it. In addition, lab tests on cells suggested that the fish collagen was not likely to cause an immune reaction.

The researchers concluded that the findings could lead to new therapies for human patients. Read more here: one shoulder formal dresses

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The next time you think of a post-morning workout fix, go for a cleansing smoothie.

Not only is this packed with nutrients and flavour, but also acts a pick-me-up, giving you the energy you need to kick-start your day. It also gives your liver a detox. A cleaned liver can process toxins faster and give you healthy, glowing skin. Start with one smoothie, twice a week, which acts as a better option than just popping multi-vitamins.

1. CARROT-CUCUMBER SMOOTHIE

How to make:

Carrots — 2 cups

Cucumber — 1

(You can also add celery and apple)

Why it works:

- Carrots have vitamin A which aids eye health.

- They help digestion.

- They also help prevent sun damage.

2. BEETROOT

A red energising beet smoothie can be blended with other ingredients to hide its sharp taste.

How to make:

Beetroots — ½ cup

Red apples — a few pieces

Fresh ginger, grated — 1 tsp

Blend and enjoy.

Why it works:

- Beetroots are a powerhouse of vitamins like thiamin and riboflavin. It also has iron, copper, selenium, calcium and zinc, which build immunity.

- Beetroot also has carotenoids which slow premature aging.

- It aids healthy liver function and fights inflammation.

There's little that matches the power of a red energising beet smoothie. Blend it with other ingredients to hide its sharp taste.

3. STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

This is a nourishing and delicious fix with low-fat milk or yoghurt and fresh strawberries. It can be made as an anytime treat, especially for kids.

How to make:

Yoghurt — 1 cup

Strawberries — 2½ cups

Ground flaxseeds — 1 tbsp

Honey (optional) — 2 tsp

Blend all the ingredients together. Serve chilled.

Why it works:

- Strawberries are the best source of vitamin C. They also have folate and potassium.

- These smoothies are also a source of fiber and keep you satiated for long.

- Ground flax seeds add omega-3 fats and fiber for that extra boost.

4. SPINACH-LETTUCE

A green smoothie with spinach lettuce or even green apple, is a great immune booster. It is green due to the chlorophyll, which makes it nutrient-rich and it adds oxygen to the blood.

How to make:

Lettuce head — 1, chopped

Celery — 3 stalks

Spinach leaves — a handful

Green apple — 1, cored and diced

Water — ½ cup

Blend the ingredients until smooth.

Why it works:

- Greens have an alkalizing effect on the body.

- Spinach is packed with nutrients and hydrates the skin.

- Green apple gives relief from digestive disorders and can lower blood cholesterol.

- Lettuce has fiber, which effectively cleanses the system.

- Avocados, which have high amounts of potassium and magnesium, can be added too. Read more here: green formal dresses

(Photo: short formal dresses)

The world talks about policies and plans when political dignitaries come a-visiting. But the writing between the lines is also largely about what they're wearing.

And the latest to make a fashion statement is Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who steadfastly refuses to wear a tie while donning a suit. He has gone tie-less at every official function, even his own formal swearing-in. And as per reports, almost the entire Greek cabinet appointed last week has adopted the fashion style of 40-year-old Tsipras, who even laughed as he was given a tie as a gift from his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi during a news conference in Rome, this February. But he's not the only one. More world political figures are appearing in public in a suit with their collars open.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin made a similar gesture in Paris last weekend, smiling as he took hold of the broad-striped scarf worn by Greece's European Financial Relations Alternate Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and wrapped it across his neck and over his shoulder. British Prime Minister Cameron called for a 'smart casual' dress code too, maintaining that 'informal' might make it easier to get things done. And when Presidents Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama met at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland in 2013, both were working the suit-and-open-necked-shirt look.

A no-tie campaign? Did you know airline tycoon Richard Branson never wears a tie? He even launched a 'bye to the tie' campaign and wrote on his website: 'Why was the tie ever invented? Everyone in business looks the same and dresses the same. I'm sure they only exist because bosses, after being forced to wear ties all their life, are determined to inflict the same fate on the next generation. I am continuing my life-long campaign to get rid of the tie. Join me, find your nearest pair of scissors and cut your tie off. Or better still, cut your friend's tie off! They'll thank you for it when the ideas start flowing'. Read more here: evening dresses australia

(Photo: sexy formal dresses)

Thinning hair could really be stressful as you are losing something you will never get back. But taking care of thinning hair is not rocket science. You can easily take care of your thinning hairline. Here's how...

Maintaining a balanced diet: What you eat makes a huge difference on the health of your hair. And if you don't maintain a healthy diet, there are chances you will have a thinning hairline. So make sure your diet is healthy and you take all the required nutrition's in appropriate quantities.

Stress too much: We are all, due to personal or professional reasons, stressed all the time. And stress can lead to hair fall. So the key here is to counter your stress levels with stress bursting exercises. Follow a hobby that you have left following due to work or personal commitments. Listen to good music and try not to exert yourself with external factors that cause stress. It will help you a great deal.

Take care: Taking good care of your hair is also important. Shampoo and condition your hair regularly. Do not change your shampoo and conditioner too often, stick to one product. Oil your hair regularly and wash then properly. Pollution in the world outside can take a toll on your hair. Proper hair care can help in reduced hair fall.

Cover up: If you spend a lot of time outdoors then pollution, exposure to sun and dust can cause hair fall. So cover your hair if you are spending too much time outdoors and it will help a great deal. Read more here: yellow formal dresses