Body image is commonly linked to our self esteem, as such it is a contentious issue that provokes much heated debate amongst men, and more particularly, women, across the globe. When it comes to our bodies, one must consider the question: should anyone apart from ourselves have an opinion on what size we are? Because the issue of body image is also intrinsically linked to our overall health, medical professionals have often weighed in on the issue, urging us to observe a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid ill-health. Nutritionists and personal trainers exist to advise us on how to best work towards adopting a healthier diet and sculpting a leaner body. However, there are also many businesses that thrive on the desire that some men and women have to achieve an unrealistically slim body without adhering to the more sustainable lifestyle techniques such as healthy eating and regular exercise. There are crash diet plans, appetite suppressant pills and meal replacement programs. Procedures such as liposuction and gastric band surgery are more extreme examples of the lengths some people are going to in order to achieve what they perceive to be a more idealistic body.

Of course, one would be remiss in not mentioning the contribution of media to the body image issue. Women's fashion magazines often reinforce the idea that slim equals beautiful, whether purposely or otherwise. To the same affect, celebrities too have been known promote embracing ones own body at any size; such as evidenced in a recent article on Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan who exclaimed she loved her "killer curves". Similarly, Beth Ditto exhibited her comfort as a larger woman when she posed naked on the cover of Love magazine. Extremism on either end of the body image debate is almost certainly detrimental to ones health - so how can a person establish a strong sense of what is best when it comes to their own body, without feeling pressure and inadequacy?

An important consideration to acknowledge is there is no body image norm, nor should there be, we are all built differently.

We were not all built to pull on a size 0 and look like Jennifer Hawkins or Miranda Kerr, nor were we all made with curves to rival the likes of Kate Winslet or Nigella Lawson. But then, this is why the body image debate is so topical - because we have made it an argument based around how we look, often comparatively, not how we feel.


Christina Hendricks, Kate Moennig.
So, while there is no such thing as a "normal" body type, there is an average body size. In Australia, this average size of women is on the rise, with recent studies confirming that Australian women are getting fatter, faster. Earlier this year, there was national controversy about the use of Australian model Jennifer Hawkins on the cover of Marie Claire magazine. Many Australian women objected, claiming that Hawkins was not indicative of a 'real woman' or the average Australian woman. And with the average size currently sitting at around size 14-16, these women are correct, Hawkins is not average. But would a woman who merely ticks the box of being that "average" size, be a more positive body image role model for women? This is where the argument becomes complicated. Should we allow the justification of our size by comparative means, based on the fact that a majority of woman around us look similarly, or should we go further and question the average or perceived "norm" and attempt to discover what is best on an individual level?


Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Kerr.
Justification of our body based on the size of others should be irrelevant, though for many women, it is not. We compare our bodies to that of our friends, classmates, coworkers, celebrities, models and the general public. In order to achieve a healthy attitude towards our bodies, we must move away from this sort of comparison. We must also recognise that our self worth is not derived from the size of our waist. We can achieve a more positive attitude towards our bodies by acknowledging that body image is a health issue, not an aesthetic issue. To this end, we should focus on achieving our own healthy body, rather than attempting to emulate what may be healthy for our best friend, or a celebrity we admire.

So how does one determine their bodies comfortable healthy size? We can start by forgetting about fad diets, regular rapid detox plans, diet pills, surgery or unhealthy workout obsessions - similarly, we should forget about eating takeout four times a week, constantly snacking throughout the day on unhealthy foods or soft drinks or doing little to no exercise in a week. To find what size your body is comfortable plateauing at, one must observe what is widely acknowledged to be a healthy lifestyle - eating predominantly healthy meals at appropriate portion sizes and exercising at least 3 to 4 times a week, doing both cardio and resistance training.

Photos by Leanne Surfleet and natawiedee.

When you know how your body looks and feels when healthy, this is the norm to which you should compare your body going forward. If eating a healthy diet and regular exercise does not get your body to the point at which you believe is optimal for your health, you should consult a nutritionist to ensure your diet contains all the vital ingredients that are necessary to obtain best health, and a personal trainer who can tailor a custom work-out plan. You can additionally consult a General Practitioner who can help uncover any underlying health issues that may be blocking your progress.

In the end, you may find that your comfortable healthy weight is a size 16, or maybe it's a size 8. By being aware of what weight or size your body is most comfortable at when observing a healthy lifestyle, you are able to move away from rationalising or hiding behind slim pride, fat acceptance or national average solidarity.


This is a loaded topic, please be constructive in sharing your thoughts. How do you feel about the body image debate? Are you happy with your body? If you're not, what would make you happy?

The eighties were big. Big hair, big jewelery, big neon colour, big amounts of spandex, big bold makeup, big everything. While most decades tend to be easily defined, the noughties seem to be preoccupied with throwbacks to the all those fabulous decades gone before them. However, the 80's often get overlooked for their gaudiness. They could easily be defined as the era of tacky... but they were a time to be unapologetically bold and fabulous too. Madonna was like a virgin, Spandau Ballet were gold, Olivia Newton-John was getting physical and Cyndi Lauper just wanted to have fun.


Photo by Kekka.

Whether or not you experienced it first hand, the 80's were a decade not likely to be forgotten. Let us celebrate them in all their colourful, gaudy exuberance!

How To Pay Tribute To The 80's:

Crimp your hair and tease it up nice and big.

Throw on some leg warmers and a headband and dance along with Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.

Jump on Youtube and revisit the Care Bears.

Hunt ebay for a vintage scratch & sniff tshirt.

Do it like Madonna: layers of pears, lacy stockings and big blonde teased hair.

Work it in spandex leggings for some ultra 80's glam.

Channel Boy George with bold makeup. Bright eyeshadow! Red Lips! Blush! Extra points: grab yourself some sequinned tails and find somewhere fabulous to party.

Dust off the Spandau Ballet records & get lip-synching to Gold & True.

Shoulder pads belong to the 80's, but the noughties brought a resurgence in this trend

Do the Nutbush.

Aerobics it up in a hi-cut leotard over neon bike shorts

Have Molly Ringwald movie marathon: Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) and Pretty In Pink (1985).

Grab your friends for an 80's slumber party or if you're feeling brave, rock out 80's style and go public with your throw back love affair.


Now this list is just getting started on how you could pay tribute to the 1980's, that's where you come in - whats your favourite part of 80's style? What 80's music gets you going? How would you celebrate the 80's?

sounder3
Originally uploaded by Idhren

Harem pants are an adaptable pant that can very easily take you from schlepping about the markets during the day to hitting a wine bar in the evening. By simply changing your choice of footwear, adding a blazer or accessorising, you dress up harem pants in just a few minutes. This versatility makes harem pants the perfect choice to pack when traveling, or as your outfit of choice when you're not sure where the day will take you.

Here are some ideas about how you can convert your harem pants from casual day wear to sophisticated evening attire:






1. Shoes: Go with simple flats for day wear and ankle boots or patent heels for the evening.


Photos by Nathan Branch and Creations Look Divine.

2. Accessories: Keep accessories minimal for daytime, some chunky wooden bangles or a necklace should do. For the evening you could wrap pearls around your neck, wear big hoop earrings, fix a fascinator to your hair or try wearing a vintage lace collar to smarten your look.


Photos by r0b1 and Wedding Fascinators.

3. Jacket: A button down cardigan works well for the day time, but when evening strikes, try a leather (or faux) bomber jacket or a cropped blazer.


Photos by Idhren.

4. Top: During the day a great way to balance your baggy harem pant is with a fitted tshirt. For the evening, however, a lace collared cotton shirt or ruffled front button down with a waistcoat to add shape will formalise and sophisticate the outfit.


Photos by kT LindSAy and Sorrowfree.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in How To Wear Harem Pants.


How do you style your harem pants?

Oprah recently revealed that only 2 in every 10 women are wearing the correct size bra. Wearing a bra that doesn't fit can not only detract from your appearance but the can also lead to heath problems such as backache and poor posture. Uncovering the rules of intimate apparel, answering the questions you feel you should probably already know the answers to, here are some tips on how best to be caring for your bras:


Photo by Daquella manera, HippolyteBayard.

How long should I keep my bra?
This depends on how you care for your bra and how often you wear it. The generally agreed time period amongst experts is around 6-12 months. This is because beyond this period of time, the elasticity can deteriorate and it's likely that your bra will no longer be offering you the support that you need.

• If you hand wash your bras, you can expect an extended life when compared with bras that have been machine washed.
  
  
• If you wear one bra several times a week while keeping another for special occasions only, it is more likely that you will get more life out of that special occasion bra.

How often can I wear my bra?
As a rule, you should try not to wear a bra for more then 2-3 days at a time. Sports bras should be washed after every wash. As a bra is intimate apparel, it is important to keep it clean, particularly if you feel sweaty or dirty such as may be the case during the warmer months. It's also important to ensure you are giving your breasts the best possible support by rotating and caring for your bras regularly. The more often you wear a bra, the more likely you are to need to replace it sooner as the support becomes worn out.

How should I wash my bra?
Hand washing your bra will extend the life of the bra. If you machine wash your bra, run a delicate/gentle cycle using cool water. Also be sure to fasten the bra clasps and use a lingerie bag to protect your bra during the wash. You can pick up a wash bag in the lingerie or hosiery section of most department stores.

Why does it look like I have four boobs/back fat?!
You're wearing the wrong sized bra. If the bra is too small, it can have the same sort of effect on your upper body that a pair of too-small skinny jeans can have on your mid-section (hello muffin top!). The same goes for the lumpy look that occurs when your bra cup is too tight across your breast, causing you to look like you have four lady lumps, rather than two. These problems can be easily solved by ensuring you are wearing the correct sized bra. For best results, get a professional bra fitting.

Why is wearing the right bra size important?
Wearing the correct bra size can improve your posture, offer greater support, improve your shape and provide a higher level of comfort. Lumpy and saggy boobs are just some of the problems that plague us ladies in way of our appearance when we wear the incorrect sized bra. The good news is that it's an easy problem to correct, next time you find yourself in the vicinity of a lingerie or department store, speak to one of the staff about being fitted for a bra. They will be more than happy to help you out and the benefits outweigh any embarrassment you may feel about stripping your t-shirt off for a few minutes.


Which bra sins are you guilty of? What's your number one tip for looking after your bras?

What happens when you put a former Miss Universe, now model and television presenter, on the cover of Marie Claire magazine, naked and untouched? You stir up a national controversy (and quite probably sell a hell of a lot of magazines, but let's leave that point be). On the eve of the February edition of Marie Claire hitting the shelves, those images of Jennifer Hawkins are warranting a myriad of attention and are bearing the brunt of a lot of angry outbursts of criticism. Woman are cranky. As the discussion continues on news websites, blogs and twitter, there seems to be a two key points of view that are garnering the most attention from those engaging in this debate:

1. A whole lot of women across Australia are outraged at Marie Claire, editor Jackie Frank and some media commentators for insinuating that Jennifer Hawkins could be indicative of a 'real' woman, and that in turn, this cover should inspire positive body image. Their opinion is that it's her job to look slim and healthy and thus this is not only far from groundbreaking, but it's insulting. Why not use an unknown 'real' woman, they cry? In fact, a poll on the website of Australian news program, the 7pm Project indicates that 71% of women do not believe the Jennifer Hawkins photo shoot promotes positive body image (accurate at 11:31pm, 4 January 2009).

2. There are woman worked up on the other side of the argument too. They argue that Jen may be slim, and a model, but she is foremost a person, a woman. She clearly observes a healthy lifestyle to maintain her body, but why should she be exempt from the category of 'real women' just because of her occupation or popularity?

Marie Claire editor Jackie Frank spoke with Melissa Hoyer about the unfolding controversy, Frank admitted "Yes, Jen is genetically blessed" and went on to pose the question "...but no one has considered the point that Jen has made a living out of her body and that makes it even braver to put herself out on a limb imperfections and all?".

It seems people, women in particular, are more interested in drawing comparisons than applauding what is quite clearly a step in the right direction for woman and the magazine industry. The key comparisons coming out of the debate are:

Between the average size for Australian woman (it's a 16 by the way); is it ok to justify our size just because it is the national average, or should we perhaps be concentrating more on how appropriate our weight makes us feel and how healthy it is for our height and lifestyle?

Between Bianca Dye's recent nude photo-shoot which appeared in Madison magazine. Bianca criticized Jennifer and Marie Claire saying, "Jackie Frank is one of the most respected editors in the country and I am in shock that they would say Jennifer Hawkins is a natural role model. Its like we've taken 20 steps backwards.", Jennifer may not have a pot belly, but she stands to represent all the other slim women who, despite their lack of womanly curves, are just as 'real' as the rest.

And finally, women have been drawing the comparison between Jen and themselves. Some women are happy to deem Hawkins 'brave'. While others are more interested in slamming her for her size, Marieke Hardy tweeted, "I'm appalled that they're putting someone with a model's bod on the cover and calling her 'real'.".

The purpose of running this cover was to draw attention to the issue of re-touched (photoshopped) images and to open up discussion on body image and the link between our physicality and our self esteem. We can argue that the two should not be linked, but that's not going to solve the fact that for so many young women, how we look directly correlates with how good we feel about ourselves.

So is a magazine responsible for the self esteem issues that young women have relating to dissatisfaction they feel about their bodies? Not entirely so, but some accountability should be placed on the part of magazines similar to Marie Claire. These magazines are aimed at us as women, to sell us stuff and to sell us ideas. For this reason, it is absolutely a magazine editors responsibility to ensure they are not actively promoting images that are unattainable, as the ideal body. We need a balanced representation of women in all parts of the media, including the magazines we read. But let's not turn this into a magazine slating session: there has certainly been a marked improvement in the inclusiveness of the range of women represented in the pages of our favourite magazines. Do they have a way to go? There is always room to improve, no doubt.

The intensity of this argument begs the question, why are woman so hard on each other? Are we our own worst enemies? Why did Bianca Dye slam Jennifer as a role model? Why is anonymous commentary all over the internet calling Jackie Frank out and saying all she wants is to sell her magazine? As women, we need to restore the sisterhood: tell the girl with the pretty dress that you love how she wears it, don't snidely remark that she is a slut or a bitch. For more on our seemingly innate need to judge each other, see Detrimental Female Behaviours: Judge & Compare.


Over to you, what do you think of the Marie Claire cover? And what about how women judge other women, how can we stop doing this? Are you happy with you body? If not, what are you doing about it?

It's summer festival time in the southern hemisphere and amongst all of the excitement of choosing which bands make your must-see list, it's easy to forget the essentials when it comes to pre-festival packing. This is especially so when you're planning to be camping on-site for a multi-day festival. Despite best intentions, we inevitably find ourselves throwing things into our rucksacks at the very last minute and forgetting those bits and bobs that we really hope not to forget, like loo roll & a toothbrush! To make your festival experience a little more care-free & assist in ensuring you're truly and utterly prepared for your next summer festival, why not follow this easy to use festival preparation guide?


Photos by Ian Wilson and Bérenger ZYLA.
1 week out

• Make sure your ticket has arrived in the post, or is available to pick up upon arrival. Chase up if necessary!
  
• Have you booked transport? If not, get organising: car pool, bus, train - book it now.
  
• If it's been a while since you last pitched your tent, give it a trial run in the yard. This will ensure your festival home still has all of it's poles and pegs.
  
• Check you own both gumboots and thongs. You won't know which you need until you arrive. It could quite possibly be that both are required.

2-3 days out

• Do a load of laundry, most importantly, be sure to include enough sets of knickers to see you through each day of the festival. Also include in your load, a towel, swimmers (these double as underwear or a top depending on need and weather!), jeans, socks and singlets.
  
• Check the state of your sleeping bag. Air out or put in the washing machine if necessary.

The Day Before

• Pack your clothing, towel and shoes you won't be wearing on the day you leave.
  
• Pack loo roll (this is important), wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a bunch of plastic bags.
  
• Get together all of your camping gear: torch, tent, sleeping bag, mozzie spray, sunscreen, plates, cutlery, mug & food if doing your own cooking.
  
• Do a supermarket run. Pick up extra batteries for your torch as well as snacks like chips, rice crackers, muesli & nuts. Save your dosh for the over-priced beer in plastic cups.
  
• If you don't own a watch, pick one up from the chemist or local servo. Depending on how long the festival lasts, chances are come mid to end, your phone battery will have died and a watch will make finding the right stage at the right time a much simpler task.

The Morning of

• Pack your bathroom bits and pieces: any makeup you use, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.
  
• Double check you have your ticket (for both the festival & your transport). Have fun!!

For more tips on preparing for the summer festivals, see the Girls Guide to Festival Fashion.


What is your must-have festival item?

There are many different types of roses and while the rose has long been a symbol of love and romance, did you know that each colour rose has a special meaning? Or did you know that there is some significance in the number of roses exchanged? We've decoded the secret language of roses so that next time you give or receive the gift of a rose you can enjoy the symbolism as well as the beauty!


Photo by Hamed Masoumi

Red: Love, Romance, Passion
Give a red rose to your partner as a romantic gesture if the relationship is new or for longer standing relationships, to show them you still think they're sizzling!

Deep Crimson: Loss, Mourning
If there is a flower that best honours a lost loved one, it's a deep crimson rose. Use the rose decoratively or as part of your fascinator.

White: Purity, Innocence
Use the petals from white roses and scatter at the base of a gift box filled with bits & pieces for a new child.

Pink: Gratitude, Appreciation
Gift a few pink roses to a friend who has gone over & above regular girlfriend duty to be wonderful... or to your under-appreciated mother!

Orange: Desire, Enthusiasm
Use orange roses to inspire yourself, pop a few into a vase and place them by your desk to invoke greater enthusiasm in the task at hand.

Yellow: Friendship, Joy
Give a yellow rose to that friend who inspires positive energy in you every day, the one whose friendship you know you can count across no matter the distance or circumstance.

Lavender: Enchantment
Wear knotted around a headband to a fairy tale fancy dress evening with your favourite friends.

1 rose signifies devotion, 2 roses are for engagement or marriage and 11 roses indicate deep and true love, while a thornless rose is for love at first site and leaves on the stem of a rose are said to indicate hope!


Who deserves a rose in your life?

What does one wear to the United Nations headquarters to attend talks on the necessity of an Arms Trade Treaty?



UN Headquarters Daily Outfit Round Up- Day 1: all black skirt and blazer with opaque stockings and grey ankle boots, Day 2: black pants suit with pink and white striped shirt. Middle image taken by Rombo Kins.

At the United Nations, personal style is hardly the key focus, and rightly so, this is not fashion week, there are no paparazzi, though perhaps there should be - what these people are discussing is deserving of page space. With international peacekeeping discussions being held behind every closed door, the attendees at this New York City office tower are more likely to be considering how best to make their case on a world stage, not whether or not the other delegates approve of their choice of top. That being said, you're probably still a little curious, right? So what does style look like at the United Nations?

You may well have guessed, United Nations style is all about the suit. Nothing says business like a smart suit and by and large, suits are the uniform of choice for the international delegates and NGO representatives attending the UN's headquarters in Manhattan. Now, if you're thinking that suits are dowdy and boring, it's time to think again.

Lets think for a moment about Barney Stinson, the name should ring a bell, if it doesn't here is a quick overview to bring you up to speed: Barney is a character on the American sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, and most importantly, unofficial international ambassador of the suit after having coined the term Suit Up! If you've not yet found yourself jumping aboard the Suit Up! revolution, it's time to get across it.

Putting the "legendary" Barney Stinson aside, it is important to take pride in our physical appearance, whether we are a UN ambassador or a MAC sales girl, because first impressions can only be made once. Data from the Harvard Study of Health and Life Quality has found links between physical appearance and self-worth, with people who look good more likely to consider themselves capable and of high self worth (Source). Further, 'psychologists, writers and seminar leaders caution that we only have
from seven to seventeen seconds of interacting with strangers before
they form an opinion of us' (Source).

Another way to consider how your physical appearance can contribute to the impression others have of you is to ensure your appearance does not detract from what you are saying or doing. For example, you may be highly articulate and have a positive contribution to offer, however, you may not be given the opportunity to do so on account of your physical appearance being deemed inappropriate in the given context. In making choices to do with personal appearance we should respect and consider the environment we are placing ourselves in, fisherman pants and a slogan tshirt may work well at Climate Camp but when speaking in front of board level company executives, it's time to suit up - give people what they need to take you seriously, and then blow them away with your real agenda.



Photographs by Springleap.com, treslola.

At first glance, there appears to be an overwhelming sea of greys and black, but upon closer inspection there is an understated attention to detail. Splashes of colour and style are subtly exhibited in the realm of patterned men's ties, smart cuff links and women's bags and shoes. At the United Nations, personal style is in the accessories.

Women are decked out in smart pants suits or skirts accompanied by stockings and a low heeled or flat shoe, a choice that in New York is a smart one in order to tackle the most convenient form of commute, walking. Silk scarves are draped smartly under collars and simple neck chains sit above V neck shirts under blazers. The most outstanding personal style is that of the delegates who have attended in traditional dress, draped long line aqua fabric certainly sets them as stand outs in the sea of suits and it offers a far better introduction than any business card could achieve.


Who says international peacekeeping business can't be chic & stylish? What would you wear to the United Nations?

"Love your planet go organic"

Jo Wood toured the globe for 30 years with the Rolling Stones, now she devotes her time to creating quality organic beauty products.

Inspired by her African heritage and general passion for African culture, Jo's first foray into organic products came in 1989 when she was misdiagnosed with Chrones disease and consequently looked for organic lifestyle products. At this time Jo found that the beauty industry had little in the way of organic offerings and so made the decision to create her own.

From humble beginnings, 2005 was the year that saw Jo launch a "...sophisticated and decadent range". A range that now includes fragrances, bath and body items, gift sets, candles and more. The entire range is certified organic which means the products are better for you and the environment, as organic products do not use chemical ingredients. Everything from the manufacture through to the packaging is considered to ensure the products meet the high standards that allow a brand to be deemed certified organic.

With a commitment to quality products and at price points that are comparable across the beauty product market you can shop safe in the knowledge that Jo Wood's products are a smarter option when it comes to choosing your beauty products.

If that's not enough to convince you that Jo Wood Organics are a smart beauty investment, you can head over to the official website where you are able to 'try before you buy' and request a free sample pack! What's not to love? Click here to learn more.

A lot is said about living life to the fullest; as far as making the most of our opportunities, we are quite the entitled generation. We know that we are the captain of our ship, the director of our play, the masters of our destiny. But super confidence in our own infinite potential can only be a positive sentiment, by which to live out our lives, when it is balanced with the question of considering the consequences of our every action.

Sound heavy? It needn't be. Considering the consequences of your actions could be an inbuilt mechanism for you, or perhaps it is something you consider most of the time; whatever the case, taking the time to consider the larger direct and indirect outcomes of your choices is one way to ensure you are being the best person you can be. Achievements in life are not always about being able to tick an item off of your person to-do list for life, some of the greatest achievements can come from developing your emotional self and creating a deep sense of how it is you present to the world.


Images by martapigs and l0ckergn0me.

It is difficult to measure all of the consequence of our actions but one way to attempt this is by consciously asking ourself, "Can my saying/doing this negatively impact anyone else?".

On top of ensuring we do not negatively impact people, we can also consciously look out for opportunities to do good, to any extent, from assisting a colleague, to picking up discarded litter in the street, to offering our time on a charitable project.

Courtesy & Manners;
Start small, keep your manners in check, encourage courtesy and make it common again. Think about this in every part of your day, here are a few places to start:

Consider your actions towards loved ones and strangers alike: in your home, work place, in the street, on the bus, at your coffee shop, on your lunch break, at the grocery store.

Mind your manners: please, thank you, excuse me. Always.

Be aware that we do not all think the same way and as such behaviour that is acceptable to one person, may not be acceptable to you; be sensitive to this. For example, if a tourist is blocking the walking side of the escalators, politely ask them to move over, don't charge at them and knock them aside.

Do not feel that you are more entitled than any other person you encounter. Do not aid stereotypes by strutting by a person in need when you're on your way to your office job in your power suit, for example. Help where & when you can.

Think before you tweet. Tweeting can be impulsive, are you ridiculing someone or being negative? Is this public forum the best and most constructive outlet for your words?


Consume with Social-Consciousness;
Being a good person & making smart behavioural choices need not be limited to your direct actions towards those in what you say or do. Consider the choices you make when you shop. When we do shop, our purchases will have effect, however indirectly you see it to be: on the people involved in the manufacture of the product as well as our environment in your eventual decision of how to discard the product.

In the current climate, one where we are well versed on climate change and ethical injustices occurring in the manufacture of products; we, as consumers, and as intelligent people, should not turn off our social consciousness every time we take a trip to the shops.

We are fortunate that because climate change and social justice is on the agenda, more businesses are helping us out by conducting their businesses ethically. They are giving us options. They are granting us the ability to make better choices. Consumerism no longer needs to be synonymous with waste and unethical behaviour. This is a fabulous thing, because shoes are pretty & designers are continually exciting us with their innovation - living ethically is not about sacrificing this part of our life, it's about making smarter choices: quality, not quantity.

Look at Louise Galvin, her hair care products are reasonably priced, free of the chemicals usually found in similar products and manufactured in a way that is entirely carbon neutral.

The Body Shop prides themselves on supporting community trade, defending human rights, protecting the planet and are against animal testing - all that on top of the fact that they provide high quality beauty products. Read more on The Body Shop's values.

"If business comes with no moral sympathy or honourable code of behaviours, then God help us all." Dame Anita Roddick. Human Rights Activist. Founder of The Body Shop (Source: The Body Shop online)

People Tree fashion offer quality fair trade women's and men's fashion. Click here to check out there stuff online.

How about some seriously fabulous vegan shoes? It's 2009 ladies, and shoes do not need to be made out of leather to offer comfortable, long lasting quality. Two great eco-friendly shoe retailers that are proving ethical fashion need not be pricey & unattractive are Beyond Skin and Bourgeouis Boheme. Check them out, what do you think??


Images by treslola, jovike and venturout.

Some considerations for the next time you hit the shops:

Is it a quality piece that will live in your wardrobe for years and years or will it be tossed aside and see itself in landfill come next season?

Has that lipstick come from a company that tests products on animals?

Have those tights been produced in a factory that subject workers to poor working conditions as a way to achieve cheap manufacture costs?

Is that coffee you're drinking ethically sourced from fair trade farmers?

Is your meat and dairy produce sourced from free range farms?

Take your reusable bag! These little beauties don't just come in handy for doing your weekly grocery shop, save on wasted plastic when buying your jeans & shoes too! Check out AlphabetBags for a stylish & eco-friendly carrier bag option.

Being ethical and conscious about your shopping does not need to be boring or difficult; there is nothing negative about educating yourself and making the choices you know to be right - share your knowledge with your friends - shop local, buy fair trade, use animal-cruelty free, choose ethically manufactured products, buy fresh product with little or no waste packaging, buy vintage, opshop!

It is also difficult to change the way our minds make consumer choices - huge, sudden change can often prove unsustainable. Instead, take it step by step and it, educate yourself, become more aware. Making the ethical choice will soon become second nature, as you quickly consider where the product has come from and how it was manufactured - it's all about small changes, ladies! Check out this article by Green My Style, Can we find eco on Oxford St?

Being Fabulously Successful;
It won't happen if you slay people along the way, it won't happen if you forget to consider that despite your status as leading lady in this show that is your life, you still need the rest of the cast, they're going to see you make this thing happen and they're going to be there at the wrap party.


Image by .laurie., taminator

Awareness is a gift you can grant yourself and it is an infinitely giving gift that will allow you to see ways to greater grow into the type of balanced person you need to be in order to achieve unfathomable personal success. Be it in your career, family life, with friends, travel; you need to achieve balance as success that is gained by negotiating what is best for yourself by sacrificing the needs and desires of others is success that will be shallow and short-lived.

Chase what excites but give your mate a leg up on the way.

Rise to the top, but don't push away the ladder that helped you get there.

Rallying around the concept of super confidence and self love is wondrous, but achieving balance and love of others as well as yourself is even greater.

Measure your good-will and success on your ability to express kindness to those you do not know and without want for anything in return; it is in these virtuous actions, to extend courtesy and kindness without expectation of return of favour, that we can truly assess our strength of character.

Live wondrously, largely, outrageously - but above all, live ethically - acting with love, consideration and balance is something we can all live out, if we choose to.


Big stuff or small stuff - when have you found yourself facing a difficult choice? Perhaps an opportunity that could have been a sure fire get-ahead for you, but at the expense of another? What did you do?

1. Patent heels; instant height & glam, as well as a way to add a touch of femininity to an what would perhaps otherwise be a rather androgynous outfit.

2. Frilly knickers; so you have to hand wash these pretty delicate things rather than chucking them on cycle with the rest of your machine washables, but these pretty knickers are so lovely you'll give yourself that extra shot of confidence just from acknowledging how fabulous they make you feel.

3. Waistcoat; it is a sure fire way to take your tshirt & pant combo from casual to office wear but why not throw on a waist coat over your tshirt and pair with jeans for a great dressed-casual but looking totally-on kind of a look?



Images by .craig, emmar.

4. Bow; in your hair, on your shirt, pinned to your bag. A bow is the perfect way to add quirky cuteness to a more classic look. Louloulovesyou.co.uk is great for bows.

5. Back Seamed Stockings; yes they may be a little difficult to get straight, but they are so worth it for achieving that minxy retro secretary style.

6. Blush; look alive! Give your cheeks a touch of colour, hit up your local makeup counter & find the right shade to give your cheeks that little extra glow.

7. Brooch; hit up local vintage and opshops to find a selection of kitsch old-lady style brooches and add an instant alternate focal point for your next outfit.

8. Scarf; in your hair, around your neck, as a belt, wrapped around your wrist - plain pashmina or patterned silk. Add a bit of colour & style with a fancy scarf.

9. Bubble wand; why let the under 10's have all the fun?

Images by Gabriela Camerotti, Idhren, treslola.

10. Watch neckchain; vintage-esqe & gorgeous, let this piece be worn as a necklace & truly add to your outfit as an accessory rather than a merely functional time piece.

11. Tutu tulle skirt; this delightfully OTT piece should not simply be reserved for the likes of Ms Bradshaw. Invest in a big tulle skirt, dress it up with a well-made corset & boyfriend blazer or down with a band tshirt & biker boots.

12. Parasol; channel high-society glam of days gone by & frolic about under the shade of an oriental inspired parasol.

13. Amazing hair; cut it off, curl it up, colour it, accessorise it. Work it and let your hair become your greatest accessory.

14. Fragrance; search department store counters and luxury boutiques to find an amazing signature scent. Try mens fragrances too, they may be just the fragrance you've been searching for.


What's your favourite way to add a little pizazz to your everyday wear?

There is only one down side to sporting an edgy short-do and that's growing it out when you decide to revert back to long luscious locks instead. There are a few ways to ensure you keep your hair in top condition and looking flattering while it is at that often difficult in-between length.


Photo by FRESHiAMATL

Regular trims: so you want your length back? This doesn't mean you should forgo a regular trim. By maintaining a regular hair appointment you will be ensuring your hair is rid of any split-ends that can cause frizz and damage your hair. A regular trim will keep your hair in top condition, meaning you won't lose unnecessary length when you do go for your hair cuts.

Condition & Treat: keep your hair looking its best by using a hot oil treatment from time to time and more regularly using a salon quality leave-in conditioner; this can lessen frizz and fly-aways for a smoother look and increase shine for healthy looking hair.

Style it up: consider a fringe, try a new colour, use a hot iron to straighten your locks, create bouncy curls by using hot rollers, use a dab of product to create a tousled look; try everything and anything to discover how to get your hair looking its best at each different length. While 'in-between' may not be your ideal length, there will be a way to get your hair looking fabulous no matter what its length. It may be that when your hair is short it looks best flat ironed and with a heavy fringe, but when it's a little longer a more natural lose curl, middle parted and held in place with a simple headband could work better.


What's your top tip for dealing with pesky in-between length hair?

Matt Smith's appointment as the latest actor to take on the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who was controversial from the get-go and the controversy has lingered on with the emergence of the first photographs from Doctor Who's Cardiff based set.

The 11th Doctor
Originally uploaded by jjm3

In what seems to be a continuation of the now established theme of contentiousness that is rife amongst 2009's pop culture offerings; (The 5 night format BBC used in airing Torchwood, Arctic Monkeys 'new direction' as heard in Crying Lightening, Florence Welch's cover of Beyonce's Halo, Britney's dubious lyrics in If You Seek Amy, Lady Gaga's outfits, Bruno... in general); Matt Smith's aesthetic has stirred up love-it-or-hate-it style frenzied discussion amongst fans and media alike.

The first glimpse at the stylistic direction of Matt Smith's incarnation of the Doctor illustrates a look that has been described by The Guardian as "...the cross between rookie geography teacher and Hoxton clubkid" (The fashion police on Doctor Who's new outfit, 21 July).

A more positive and arguably a more fitting descriptor lies in the articles reader commentary, one in particular describing the look as "...very fashionable Steam Punk".

The details of this look demonstrate a distinct departure from the direction of Smith's widely-adored predecessor, David Tennant, and consequently clear the way for Smith to carve out a unique characterisation of the Doctor. Love it or hate it, this is the new Who.

Let's take a closer look at Matt Smith's throwback geek chic and steal his style.

Doctor Who by Tres Lola featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs watches

Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Man
Originally uploaded by Nathan Branch

Elegance can be attained as simply as in the spritz of an amazing fragrance, and when it comes to fragrances, Ormonde Jayne have elegance and luxury well and truly covered. A niche perfumery based in London's Royal Arcade just off Old Bond Street, Ormonde Jayne offer a tantalising and empowering range of bold scents that will transport you to a place of sumptuous bliss with every spritz.

The Ormonde Jayne range includes not only luxury perfumes but also scented candles and a bathing collection that is entirely free of parabens, sulphates, petrochemical, GM ingredients, mineral oils and colourings; all of which is manufactured in their London laboratory.

Linda Pilkington, founder of Ormonde Jayne, says: "In creating Ormonde Jayne, my goal was to combine elements which I consider define true elegance: the quality of English craftmanship, the art of French perfumery and the sensuality and natural harmony of the Orient"

DSCN3866
Originally uploaded by treslola

Ormonde Jayne describe their philosophy as one of '...quality and true luxury, the pursuit of beauty and elegance', the Ormonde Jayne range uses rare oils and botanical extracts internationally sourced from locations as far and wide as Madagascar to Morocco. This is quality perfume at it's very best and where better to discover your signature scent? Ormonde Jayne's sample programme is an innovative concept in perfumery that allows you to take a trip through a world of exotic and impossibly chic fragrances, even if you can not get to their London store, meaning those of you outside of the United Kingdom aren't going to miss a thing. Priced at £35 (GBP) and with complimentary worldwide shipping, Ormonde Jayne prove themselves to be the smart girls choice when it comes to elegant perfumery.

The sample programme is described by Ormonde Jayne as a "...complete and comprehensive guide to the Ormonde Jayne fragrance library ... [consisting] of all 11 perfumes decanted into mini sprays ... accompanied [by] a brochure explaining each scent, the Ormonde Jayne philosophy, history and all contact details". See the Ormonde Jayne website for more details and to order your own sample programme from Ormonde Jane.

Zizan Bottle
Originally uploaded by treslola

It may be intended for the sophisticated man who appreciates quality fragrances but Tres Lola loves and recommends Zizan: in the same way you might put a black leather biker jacket over a sassy floral mini dress, Zizan is the perfect scent for the spunky girl who desires a bold scent. Zizan as described by Ormonde Jayne:

"Zizan, a perfume like no other because it has everything a man could possibly want in a single spectacular scent. This is a powerhouse perfume. Expect a deluge of boisterous Sicilian lime, lemon and bergamot but to smooth the biting edge, a brilliantly refined concentration of vetiver ... Zizan belongs to the domain of the worldly, highly sophisticated and cultivated. It also belongs to the strategist - the man who knows how to seduce."


What do you think of Ormonde Jayne's perfume range and their sample programme concept?

Commuting doesn't have to be a daily nightmare. By taking some very simple measures you can ensure that your commute is a cleaner, safer and more fabulous start and finish to your day:

...ON THE TUBE
Originally uploaded by Ashley Siple

Invest in a handbag with a zip
Save yourself the hassle of constantly checking your purse, camera and passport are still where you left them. Invest in a bag that zips all the way up to keep prying hands at bay. If you are standing, another way to avoid any unwanted hands helping themselves to your belongs is to try to hold your bag so that its at the level of your legs rather than wearing it over your shoulder - this will also give you a little more space if the carriage is full.

Hand Sanitizer: A winter survivor story
Originally uploaded by ifdef

Baby/makeup wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Holding onto poles, touching door handles and newspapers means one thing: dirty, germ-ridden fingers! Keep clean and germ-free by wiping off the commute dirt with some baby wipes or a dab of hand sanitizer. Having these products on you mean you can stay fresh on the go without having to wait until you find a tap & soap - super handy!


Common Courtesy
Apparently not so common, lets try and change that! Commuting is communal experience. Exercise a bit of courtesy and sense by ensuring you are aware of those around you and acting accordingly: make sure your music is not audible to the entire carriage, remember that the poles in carriages are not just for your benefit and don't use them as leaning posts, keep your hair neat and be mindful that those around you aren't copping your frizz in their face, if you're seated keep your eyes open for those who might need a seat more than yourself and offer up!


For more tips on how to survive public transport see: Top Tips To Get You Through The Commute


What's your top tip for surviving public transport?