GETTING GLAMMED UP FOR LESS: A HOW-TO

Our favourite outfit and confidence-boosters for a great night out

Parties, it seems, are never out of fashion. But how can we stay in style amidst the whirl? Some might decide it’s necessary to buy a raft of different dresses for each event; others have one simple LBD that dresses up and down for every occasion.  Indeed, with high street favourites such as Next offering an impressive range of occasion dresses at relatively inexpensive prices, it really is your perogative.

But one thing is for sure, when it comes to looking good and saving money, nothing can help you out like an accessory. Want to look on it but worried about splashing the cash on a new wardrobe? We’ve all been there, and frankly, we hate the waste and lazy consumption involved in buying a new dress for every new occasion.

For us, it’s way more fun finding an interesting way to dress up a staple – or underused – dress. God bless the little extras, then: shoes, bags, jewellery, even underwear can do its part in adding to an outfit (visible or no…)

And when it comes to this spring/summer, and the popularity of weddings and the like in this season of (hoped-for) sun, you’ll be thinking away from the suede booties and big gold pendants of Christmas yesteryear, and turning your thoughts to classic bright weather accessories.

As we’ve been told by the fashion rags – and can see for ourselves – spring’s focus has softened somewhat, leaving room for some mellow yellows and understated pastels to creep in under neon’s radar. This means a lot of fun – and delicacy – when it comes to accessorizing.

Nudes and gentle neutrals in shoes (and make-up) are a great way to go – way more interesting than a white or a cream, a well-chosen nude can really pick up a casual outfit, like navy slacks, but it also adds instant glamour to shorter-length dresses. Excellent for parties, cocktails and anything that’s a bit of flirty fun.

Wedding-wise, well, the roaring 1920s have been making a comeback, so fascinators and sparkle are the way forward when it comes to adding some fun to a classic occasion dress for someone else’s big day.

55DSL ROMA CAMPAIGN

The launch of their SS12 collection has prompted 55DSL to head in a new direction as far as their communication strategy is concerned. This season their plan is “To explore 55DSL’s creative and Italian roots while engaging its audience through entertainment and interaction.” To kick off this new mission 55DSL will collaborate with some of the worldĘĽs most progressive and creative talent. Rather than issue brand-centric briefs that stifle their creative freedom, these collaborators will be allowed to showcase their unfettered creative vision of 55DSL’s brand heritage: youth, freedom, fun and Italy.

The first collab was directed by the young Los Angeles based Director/Producer David Altobelli, a short film shot entirely on location in Rome. “Roma” is a beautifully shot video which has resulted in a perfect representation of the freedom in youth 55DSL stands for.

Original Soundtrack: Keith Kenniff
Models: James Cox for “M and P Models” and Sidney Geubelle for Fashion Model

CULT SKINCARE BRAND REN LAUNCH FIRST SHORT FILM

To mark their 11th anniversary, the originators of clean skincare REN launch their first short film.

Even though it’s well known by industry professionals and skin care enthusiasts, REN has always been slightly under the radar. While preserving their unpretentious and non-flashy approach to beauty, their new short film is set to introduce the brand to a wider audience.

Shot in a Swedish fjord and set to an Alison Krauss track, the film avoids all the typical unapproachable images of airbrushed beauty which in today’s market is quite refreshing!

We at Freak Deluxe love it, but have a look and see for yourself! To view the 18+ uncut film go here.

SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2012

Key looks that will be hot on the fashion radar in the coming months

Spring is coming and that can only mean one thing. (Actually, we take that back, it can mean many things: lambs, daffodils, Six Nations Rugby, International Women’s Day, one step closer to summer, the end of winter and many more…)

In this context, spring’s sole signifier is: fashion. As the daffodils and crocuses sprout up from the soil, so too flower patterns seem to blossom across all manners of skirts, blouses and – more often than not – the ubiquitous maxi dresses from the likes of high street favorites like Next, which continue to enjoy longevity in fashion’s famously short memories.


Tropical pleat maxi dress from Next, ÂŁ45

Indeed, this year we see the maxis embrace another trend – tropical or Havana – think eye-popping beachside prints straight out of a slightly cheesy hotel: flamingoes, palm trees, sunsets, hibiscus flowers. We want bold brights – florals on acid if you will – and with these, accessories come big and bolshy too – think equally loud headscarves and bandannas, or neon plastic slippers and shoes.

There’s also the softer side to the flower power of 2012. Pastels are once more a must have on the palette, and as well as gentle florals and small petal patterns, we’re also seeing a lot of mixing of pastel shades, such as peppermint greens with soft pinks or sky blues, very gentle yellows too.

Those looking for a retro twist can pick up with spring 2012’s taste for paisley, as showcased in one of Vogue UK’s style summaries of the year’s trends. If you’re really ready to go for it, double the paisley trend with the latest fashion must-have – a power suit.

From Primark to Armani, blazer and tailored trouser suits are ten a penny in huge patterns, from far-out 1960s florals to hot acid yellows. If you’re up for causing a splash this season, then pick out a real show-stopper, pair with a plain white t, slightly pointed-toe flats or brogues, and a small gold chain. Instant summer cool.

OMBRE NAILS – DO OR DONT?

There are few trends that we can say apply to both fashion and beauty; the ombrĂ© trend has filtered through from clothes, to hair, and now nails. I already tried and tested out the ombrĂ© hair with a box of Swartzkopf XXL platinum, I then took it a step further with the extensions! I’ve taken it to my fingertips and tested the new trend out on my own nails. Choosing colours from white to black added a leopard print overlay.

From l-r: Licorice – Essie; Mushroom – Models Own; Cloud – Topshop; Misty Grey – Models Own; Purity – Zoya

Other colour ways to test out are below:

From l-r: Pirate – Chanel; Red Hot Tamale, One Perfect Coral, Tropical Temptation – Revlon; Peach Sherbet – Models Own

From l-r: OPI On Collins Ave, Hot & Spicy, In My Back Pocket, The “IT” Colour – OPI; Lemonade – Orly

From l-r: Emerald City – Revlon; Pretty Edgy – Essie; Spring Green – Barry M; Spring Mews – Nails Inc; Hey! Get in Lime – OPI

From l-r: Violetta – No7; Funky Dunkey – OPI; Lilac Dream – Models Own; Parma Violet – Topshop; Purity – Zoya

Will you be testing out the ombré trend on your nails?