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Wednesday 9 December 2009, 12:00 AM

The saying is that "now there's a bargain, and there's A BARGAIN"
When you have reductions on some of the most talented designers, that you know they are key investment pieces for your wardrobe then now is the right time to spend, but at the same time save.
Right now there is 20% off the Samantha Cole and Love Cole Range from Samantha Cole.

We use the term bargain so joyously but what does it really mean? “Something that is a bargain is good value for money, usually because it has been sold at a lower price than normal” (Collins Dictionary).

What is difficult about that definition is that in some stores we can get a shirt for £5. Many people don’t often stop to question 1) how is it so cheap? What was the human cost? How did they cost in the material, craftsmanship, transportation…somewhere along the chain someone or something lost out! 2) the latest thing is disposable clothing. It’s so cheap that if I only get 2 or 3 wears out of it and then bin it then that’s okay. Well is it? What is the environmental cost?

Let’s go back to bargain. If you only get 2 or 3 wears out of a shirt then it does not take a genius to calculate that really, that is not a bargain. If you get an investment piece that will last like Samantha Cole’s Black Lace Blouse reduced to £72; that is a BARGAIN!

S Cole Sale 09

Chantelle Edwards | Views 129 |

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Tuesday 8 December 2009, 12:00 AM

This month has been a brilliant month. On one hand I am excited about Xmas and seeing all my family and friends, and on the other a lot of the designers are finally getting the coverage they deserve. It is hard work on a daily basis, and we still have a long way to go. At times you think it is like David v Goliath, but it is all worth it when the designer is selling, they get to do what they love best and the customer is happy.

This month was an effort to get a customer her tailored wedding pieces early in a mail strike!

“all items have arrived. We are very please with the gorgeous dresses and classy bag. Thank you very much for your effort!”

A lot of our designers are still relatively small, but they put their hearts and soul in to providing something different. Corsellis has seen great coverage in Look Magazine this month and they truly deserve it. With each customer they follow up, to check if they would like to use our bespoke service. For Corsellis this is no extra charge. This service is like a hidden treasure. I know what it’s like having a large top half and a tiny waist, so if you do want any changes to pieces you see please let us know.

I thought I would give you a glimpse of the dress I am getting for Xmas, which is Corsellis and for me a key piece that will carry through the seasons. I can think of multiple accessories that will make it a staple.

Other designers that have born fruit for their hard work Baruch, Joe Blake and Catarina Vassalo. Alesha Dixon is wearing the Joe Blake dress tonight on BBC3 at 9pm, and at the moment we have 10% off. There are so many hidden gems we are making every effort to bring fresh new designs and talent to you.

I hope you have the time to look to find and buy something that little bit different.

Chantelle Edwards | Views 54 |

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Friday 9 October 2009, 12:00 AM

I have been living abroad for a while now which brings a richness to my life. It took me away from my house back in the UK, which I had renovated the first year and recently redecorated again, but brought me so much more. The decision to stay was 'man' related, but it also brings new opportunities. I am now dreaming of a place here, and love picking out and planning key styles that I can feature in a new house project that we can call our home.

My style has always been expressive. I have learnt to take inspirations from life, all the travelling that I do as well as how I live my life. Although I travel, I am a natural cancerian a homemaker. My home has to have warmth, be a place to relax and socialise with my friends and family.

I just thought I would share some of the designs that I have picked out for feature walls, with some truly designer and stylish wallpaper. I love expressing my personality in rooms and think that the cerise and red will work brilliantly in our lounge to be.

I would love a sex in the city style changing room, as ‘m’ does get annoyed with all my clothes. What can I say love fashion. In there apart from having a dressmakers dummy , I want a simple touch to the room with just a mural on the wall, So that the decoration I can change to go with the collections for AW/SS or indeed what my inspirations are at the time.

In the bathroom I want to add attention to detail in the style, with uniquely printed tiles. Not all the way through but with key positioned pieces by ATA designs.

Furniture wise I love the French furniture that we have in, that have fantastic detail in the design, and from real wood. Here are some of my favourites

Now all we have to do is find a project and I will keep you updated. If you have any projects you would like advise on please let us know, our designers also do consultations.

Chantelle Edwards | Views 141 |

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Saturday 25 July 2009, 12:00 AM

Yoga and Pilates

It was so nice to get back to Bikram Yoga after a busy few months. We have our AW09 collection launching, and with photo shoots, press launches, new product ranges and taking German Lessons life has been hectic.

Now on the other side of 30 I totally understand the ethos of Yoga and Pilates "Pilates is the only exercise program that has changed my body and made me feel great." Jamie Lee Curtis. It is a great form of exercise and probably why I always have so much energy. I play for a netball team once a week, but this form of Yoga for me is far more challenging requiring my whole body and mind in extreme heat!

I love feeling good, and for me Wellicious also allows you to look good. Admittedly, a person’s personality is not just about how they look, but how they feel inside. However, there to are inextricably linked. A person who has a strong sense of ones self often clearly shows this in their style, and or looking good can give someone confidence. We have all watched programmes like Trinny and Susannah, How to Look Good Naked, or Extreme Makeover. It is sad to get to those extremes, but at the heart of it we see the transformation which is not just external but internal too.

For those Yoga and Pilate goers we have the perfect range for you express you inner self, and to give you that self confidence…looking good at the same time.

Well I am off to some Bikram Yoga :)

There are a limited range of cashmere pieces at special reduced prices, especially for our customers.

Charlize Theron was reported in Self Magazine "steps up her
Pilates workouts to five 90 min sessions a week" when she wants to see
results quickly.”

Chantelle Edwards | Views 159 |

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Archive: < March 2010

Monday 11 May 2009, 12:00 AM

There are a number of grass root movements, and thank god for them as people make a difference to talent even during tough economic times.

This month is the launch of a new magazine that encourages new writing talent to showcase their work and gives them the opportunity to have it published in the UK and across the World.

Published monthly, this high-quality 'coffee-break' magazine gives a wide range of exclusive writing talent from many different genres. There is no other magazine available that is solely dedicated to the works of unpublished and unsigned authors of short stories and poetry. Along with fascinating features and articles including: Interviews and Biographies, Competitions, Puzzles and Prizes, Book Releases and Bestseller Chart.

Equally, I admire Net Curtains Theatre Company which produces with a company of associate artists dedicated to the development of new theatre talent. They commission, develop and produce new writing designed to lift the lid and poke into the corners of contemporary issues.

The Look Boutique has grown from just 3 designers, and now gives 35 designers a boost with new collections soon to be added growing the cadre to 50.

Designers like Lora Leedham a 22 year old independent jewellery designer from the Midlands. Lora has been approached by the Prince’s Trust and taken part in a series of events and has created jewellery by royal appointment for Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall. She has worked with fashion designers, created jewellery for charity events, exhibited at London Fashion Week and a number of celebrities.

The grassroots movement benefits all designers, and Lora is not the only gem. Chichia London is another success story, a ready to wear women’s wear clothing brand by London based designer Christine Mhando. Her brand has grown as well as sales through support and PR gained through The Look Boutique

HEMYCA have showcased at London Fashion week in 08 and 09, as well as achieving runners up in The Whistles Award.

Kate Tailyour has grown her ethical brand and is a finalist in the UK Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the year 2009.

Chantelle Edwards | Views 213 |

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