Glow this winter: Skin care tips

December is both the best of times, and the worst of times. The weather is divine, and there is no limit to the weddings and parties one has to attend. However, make-up and the harsh winter air can take its toll on one’s skin. Jill Zander, founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, lists some common skin-care mistakes people make, and how to avoid them, reports.

Too Much Moisturiser

If a moisturiser is correctly suited to your skin type, it should feel comfortable on the skin and not leave it feeling greasy or oily. A day moisturiser should always contain an SPF. Night creams should only be used at night as they tend to be richer and don’t contain any sun protection.

Over Exfoliating

Go easy on the exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation, and constantly stripping your skin of its natural oils can actually make skin greasy. Steer clear of exfoliating scrubs that have sharp, uneven grains, for can tear or damage your skin.

Using Anti-Ageing creams before your skin is ready

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Don’t use anti-ageing skincare before your skin shows signs of ageing. If you use creams with potent anti-ageing ingredients before your skin needs them, they will either have no effect or a detrimental one.

The wrong face mask

As with moisturisers, select your face mask according to your skin type. For instance, clay-based masks will cause normal-dry skin to flake. If your skin is in need of moisture, select a mask specially made for dry skin.

Forgetting SPF

Come rain or shine; always apply SPF during the day, as the sun is the biggest cause of wrinkles. Wear a daily moisturiser that contains at least SPF 30.

Sleeping in make-up

Sleeping with dirt, oil and makeup on your face can cause acne and enlarged pores. Think of makeup removal as washing away the day’s grime!

Frequently changing products

A very common mistake is changing products too often. It’s really important to try a new product for at least three months to see the true effect it has on the skin, because every skincare regime takes at least 21 days to start having an effect.

Tips to oil your hair the right way by hair expert Jawed Habib

Oiling the hair before a hair wash is an Indian practice that’s been followed for generations. Known as a champi, it is done to make the hair roots stronger, prevent greying and also provide some relaxation due to the massage. Jawed Habib, a celebrated hair expert with unisex hair salons across the country, gives out tips to oil one’s hair correctly with specific oils for different hair types in his new book ‘Hair Yoga’. Here are excerpts from the book.

There is no particular technique to apply oil. However it is important to understand certain points in order to have optimum results:

The oil should be lukewarm by slightly heating it.

Dip fingers in oil. Make a partition of your hair with your hand and apply the oil onto the scalp.

Do not just pour oil on the head. Use oil in adequate quantity only. Using too much oil will mean you’ll need to use more shampoo. Gently massage the scalp with your finger tips.

Never rub your hair with your palms as it can break. Massaging is essential as it improves blood circulation in your scalp area. It should be done for 10 to 15 minutes.

Leave the oil in your hair overnight. You can wash it off the next morning. However, it is always better to leave the oil on the scalp for a longer period of time but not more than 24 hours as then it’ll start attracting dirt, in turn it’ll make the hair weak.

Steaming your hair with a hot towel after oiling is very good as it helps hair to absorb the oil. Just wrap a hot towel over it for 10 minutes. Make sure that the towel is not too hot as too much heat can harm the hair shaft.

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Oiling should be done at least once a week but you can go ahead and do it more frequently.

Oils for Different Types of Hair

Normal Hair: This type of hair is neither greasy nor dry. It holds its style and shine. Jojoba, almond and amla oils are recommended for the normal hair type.

Dry Hair: This type of hair is very dull, tangles easily and is prone to split-ends. The oil required for this purpose is the one which stimulates the sebaceous glands in the scalp to produce more oil. Almond, jojoba, coconut, sesame, mustard, cocoa-butter oils are recommended for the dry hair type.

Oily Hair: This type of hair looks greasy which is generally because of over production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. So the type of oil that is required should be able to restore the sebaceous glands to normal. Olive, sesame, and jojoba oils are recommended for this hair type.

Dandruff Hair: Essential oils can be very effective in minimizing or halting this problem. The best essential oil for treating dandruff is tea-tree oil.

You should avoid oiling of hair if the climate is humid. Also avoid oiling when your skin texture is oily as the scalp would produce oil naturally. If you work outdoors for long hours then do not keep the hair oily as it will attract dust and cause hair fall.

So oiling of hair and scalp is an essential activity that involves the selection of right hair oil and correct way of application. Other than taking care of hair, oiling hair serves certain ancillary purposes too. It additionally contributes to relaxation, curing headache and migraine by giving relaxation.

It is helpful only if you learn how and when to use it. Oil is not the only thing that helps in hair growth. It certainly improves blood circulation and relaxes the mind but there are other important reasons and methods to improve hair growth.

Oiling tips

After oiling your hair, wrap a hot, wet towel around it for 2 to 3 minutes to get it absorbed in the scalp. But always check the temperature of the towel. Too much heat is harmful for your hair.

• If you already have oily hair, do not massage your hair with more oil.

• Mix Vitamin E in any oil and massage. It’s very good for hair.

Do vitamins block disease? Some disappointing news

There’s more disappointing news about multivitamins: Two major studies found popping the pills didn’t protect aging men’s brains or help heart attack survivors.

Millions of Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamin combinations, presumably to boost their health and fill gaps in their diets. But while people who don’t eat enough of certain nutrients may be urged to get them in pill form, the government doesn’t recommend routine vitamin supplementation as a way to prevent chronic diseases.

The studies released Monday are the latest to test if multivitamins might go that extra step and concluded they don’t.

“Evidence is sufficient to advise against routine supplementation,” said a sharply worded editorial that accompanied Monday’s findings in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

After all, most people who buy multivitamins and other supplements are generally healthy, said journal deputy editor Dr. Cynthia Mulrow. Even junk foods often are fortified with vitamins, while the main nutrition problem in the U.S. is too much fat and calories, she added.

But other researchers say the jury’s still out, especially for the country’s most commonly used dietary supplement — multivitamins that are taken by about a third of U.S. adults, and even more by people over the age of 50.

Indeed, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is deliberating whether vitamin supplements make any difference in the average person’s risk of heart disease or cancer. In a draft proposal last month, the government advisory group said for standard multivitamins and certain other nutrients, there’s not enough evidence to tell. (It did caution that two single supplements, beta-carotene and vitamin E, didn’t work). A final decision is expected next year.

“For better or for worse, supplementation’s not going to go away,” said Dr. Howard Sesso of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He helps leads a large multivitamin study that has had mixed results — suggesting small benefits for some health conditions but not others — and says more research is needed, especially among the less healthy.

Still, “there’s no substitute for preaching a healthy diet and good behaviors” such as exercise, Sesso cautioned.

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As scientists debate, here are some questions and answers to consider in the vitamin aisle:

Q: Why the new focus on multivitamins?

A: Multivitamins have grown more popular in recent years as research showed that taking high doses of single supplements could be risky, such as beta-carotene.

Multivitamins typically contain no more than 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of various nutrients. They’re marketed as sort of a safety net for nutrition gaps; the industry’s Council for Responsible Nutrition says they’re taken largely for general wellness.

Q: What are the latest findings?

A: With Alzheimer’s on the rise as the population ages, Harvard researchers wondered if long-term multivitamin use might help keep older brains agile. They examined a subset of nearly 6,000 male doctors, age 65 or older, who were part of a larger study. The men were given either multivitamins or dummy pills, without knowing which they were taking.

After a decade of pill use, the vitamin-takers fared no better on memory or other cognitive tests, Sesso’s team reported Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Q: Did that Harvard study find any other benefit from multivitamins?

A: The results of the Physicians Health Study II have been mixed. Overall it enrolled about 15,000 health male doctors age 50 and older, and the vitamin-takers had a slightly lower risk of cancer — 8 percent. Diet and exercise are more protective. They also had a similarly lower risk of developing cataracts, common to aging eyes. But the vitamins had no effect the risk for heart disease or another eye condition, Sesso said.

Q: Might vitamins have a different effect on people who already have heart disease?

A: As part of a broader treatment study, a separate research team asked that question. They examined 1,700 heart attack survivors, mostly men, who were given either a special multivitamin containing higher-than-usual doses of 28 ingredients or dummy pills. But the vitamins didn’t reduce the chances of another heart attack, other cardiovascular problems, or death.

Q: What about women?

A: Research involving postmenopausal women a few years ago also concluded multivitamins didn’t prevent cancer or heart disease. But it wasn’t nearly as rigorous a study as Monday’s research, relying on women to recall what vitamins they used.

Q: What’s the safety advice for multivitamin users?

A: The preventive services task force cited no safety issues with standard multivitamins. But specialists say to always tell your doctor what over-the-counter supplements you use. Some vitamins interact with some medications, and Sesso said anyone worried about nutrition should be discussing their diet with their doctor anyway.

Victoria's Secret fashion show 2013

We’ve waited and waited to see the Angels in action and the day is finally here! The stunning scenes from the Victoria’s Secret fashion show 2013 will be revealed tonight. So here is all the information you need to get you in the know ahead of tonight’s show.

This year marks the 18th year of the annual fashion show - the first lot of Angels strutted their stuff in New York in 1995 - and we can watch as 36 models work the catwalk. Only eight of the globally popular brand ambassadors are present this year. And we see Candice Swanepoel – who opens the show in the $10 million fantasy bra – along with Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Doutzen Kroes, Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge and Lindsay Ellingson.

You may notice that one of the more iconic models isn’t’ named. That’s right Miranda Kerr won’t be present after hanging up her wings earlier this year. It’s the first time since 2007 that the Angel hasn’t walked – except from the 2010 show when she was pregnant with son Flynn – and her presence is undoubtedly missed.

There are a number of other models who take part in this year’s show: Esla Hosk, Lais Ribeiro, Barbara Fialho, Izabel Goulart, Joan Smalls, Jessica Hart, Jourdan Dunn, Cara Delevinge, Caroline Brasch Nielsen, Hilary Rhoda, Ieva Laguna, Martha Hunt, and Jasmine Tookes. Along with Josephine Skriver, Ming Xi, Kelly Gale, Devon Windsor and Sigrid Agren who all walk for the first time this year.

There are six themes that run throughout this year’s show, ‘British Invasion’, ‘ Shipwrecked’, ‘Birds of Paradise’, ‘PINK Network’, ‘Parisian Nights’, and ‘Snow Angels’. There have been 28 pairs of custom wings created for the Angels to wear as they make their way down the glitter covered 120ft catwalk.

Taylor swift is the headline performer for the 2013 show and she takes to the stage before Fall Out Boy, Neon Jungle and A Great Big World.

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The Victoria’s Secret Fashion show is known for its extravagant costumes and this year is no different. Candice Swanepoel’s fantasy bra alone features 52 carat pear-shaped rubies which are hung from the centre and 4,200 other precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires which are all set in 18 carat gold. Lindsay Ellingson wears the first ever 3D printed costume this year which gives her the appearance of a giant snowflake for the ‘Snow Angels’ segment of the show. And Brazilian Adriana Lima – the longest serving Angel in history having first appeared in 2000 – this year wears the Pearly Queen inspired costume which sees her covered in 3,000 pearl buttons.

The annual catwalk event this year allegedly cost $12 million to produce and saw 26 make-up artists, 22 hair stylists and 8 manicurists prepping the Angels backstage. If that’s all it costs to look as good as they do then we’re in. Tune in tonight and let us know what you think of the show!

Londonderry makeup artist turns heads

Growing up in Salem, a young Ella Schwotzer was often asked to do her friends’ makeup and dreamed of one day making a career out of her favorite pastime.

After graduating from Salem High School in 2001, Schwotzer was given the chance to follow her dream when she was accepted into the Complections International Academy of Makeup Artistry in Toronto, Ontario.

During her time in Canada, Schwotzer studied under celebrity makeup artists like Dino Dilio and learned firsthand the fine art of fashion photography makeup, runway makeup and black-and-white photography makeup.

After receiving her certification in 2004, Schwotzer has steadily made a name for herself in the local wedding and media industries.

This month, Schwotzer’s hard work has once again paid off. For the third year in a row, Schwotzer, a licensed esthetician who now lives in Londonderry, was given the highest possible rating for The Knot’s Best of Weddings.

The Knot, an interactive wedding-planning website, lists recommended wedding vendors for each state, with vendors rated based on positive user feedback.

“It’s always very meaningful to be part of someone’s wedding day, but it’s truly an honor to get such positive feedback from clients that continue to make my job so rewarding each year,” she said.

Schwotzer was first featured on the site five years ago and is now the highest-reviewed makeup artist in the Granite State.

For Bedford resident Anna Talbot Kleeman, Schwotzer’s talents prove an asset not only during Kleeman’s daughter’s May 2013 wedding, but also during the recent filming of Kleeman’s new workout video, “The Doctor’s Workout.”

A registered nurse, Kleeman produced and released the video with her husband, orthopedic surgeon Tom Kleeman, this past summer.

“I wanted to keep things real on film, while knowing we’d need to have makeup that could hold up for hours while we were working out and sweating,” Kleeman said. “Ella rose to the challenge without batting an eyelash.”

Over the years, Schwotzer’s freelance makeup career had led to some pretty memorable experiences.

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“New Hampshire is such a political state and the last campaign season was certainly a busy one for me,” she said.During the 2012 campaign season, Schwotzer served as Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter’s personal makeup artist, and she also did makeup for commentators from Eurovision, a division of the European Broadcasting Union, during their coverage of the Granite State primaries that year.

She also provided makeup services for MSNBC personalities Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

These days, Schwotzer continues to work her day job as the administrative services coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association of New Hampshire, though her outside life is kept busy with new bridal consults.

She’s gotten many calls from potential clients in the days following Thanksgiving.

“The holidays are now upon us and that means lots of people are getting engaged,” she said. “They’re excited, and they’re eager to start making their plans.”

Manchester resident Kathleen McCarthy said she was initially hesitant to hire a makeup artist for her October 2013 wedding.

“I don’t normally wear makeup, so I was a bit nervous about it,” McCarthy said, noting that she eventually decided to contact Schwotzer at the recommendation of two co-workers who’d previously used her services.

“Everything turned out just perfect,” McCarthy said. “Ella knew exactly what I needed.”

2013 British Fashion Awards Winners Include Harry Styles, Christopher Kane, Burberry, and Edie Campbell

Put down that coffee. Stop the world from turning. Last night, as the most fashionable Brits in the world gathered at the British Fashion Awards to celebrate their own Brit-ness and fabulosity, the event took a turn that no one except rabid teenage girls could have anticipated: Harry Styles of One Direction won the British Style Award, which is determined entirely by public vote.

Is this real life? Sure, Styles is a cutie, if you’re into the whole deep v-neck on a 19-year-old look, but he was competing against Kate Moss. Kate “I single-handedly popularized heroin chic and the Vivienne Westwood pirate boot” Moss. Kate ”I’m on the cover of Playboy at nearly 40” Moss.

Other nominees that are probably sobbing into their champagne right now: Kate Middleton, poster girl for subdued millionaire chic; Florence Welch, who is hopefully writing a song about it; Anna Wintour, dictatoress of all things high-end fashion. Helena Bonham Carter is all “frizzy hair, don’t care!” As for the rest of the male nominees, they’re hot, but they basically just wear well-fitted suits. They have no reason to be bitter.

Yeah, yeah, Harry’s last name is Styles, so he’s clearly the Second Coming of Chung, but the dude’s kind of a one-trick pony: Tight jeans, blazer, curly hair, screaming groupies attached to every limb. Style means innovation, experimentation, not finding-a-look-that-makes-girls-swoon-and-sticking-to-it, right?

Maybe we’re just being bitter and old. What’s so special about Cara Delevingne and Carey Mulligan anyway? Styles does androgynous cuts and statement eyebrows just as well. After all, he does look pretty slick arriving at the British Fashion Awards:

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And he’s definitely adorable in a collar:

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But ew, here’s the unwashed Burberry shirt that sold for nearly 5K:

The clear takeaway here is that in the case of the British Fashion Awards, “voting public” clearly means “every teenage girl in the entire world.” Case closed.

Other notable winners: Christopher Kane snagged Womanswear Designer of the Year, Miuccia Prada won International Designer of the Year, Burberry got Burberry Designer Brand of the Year and the Menswear Designer of the Year, Edie Campbell was Model of the Year, and Nicholas Kirkwood was named Accessory Designer of the Year for the third time.

Thankfully, to keep the informed public from mutinying, Kate Moss was honored with a Special Recognition Award that paid homage to her 25-year career in fashion and her incredible and unfading style influence. I still think she should have won every award. Yes, even the imaginary ones, like the More Fashionable Than One Direction Award and the Doesn’t Need to Sell Unwashed Burberry Apparel Award. Next time, Kate. Next time.

Hairstyles that never go out of style

We've seen actresses flaunt it on screen, and sighed in silent despair, desperately wishing we had perfect hair. Since the dawn of the movies, millions of women worldwide have always imitated the hairstyles flaunted by screen goddesses. Here are five hairstyles that never go out of style, both onscreen and off it!

1. The ponytail : No we're not talking about that umbrella-like tuft of hair on the top of your head that would make you look like Pebbles from the Flintstones series. We're talking about the messy, casual and chic ponytail, best accentuated with bangs. The ponytails with bangs works with almost any outfit and is perfect for both a formal and informal outing.

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2. Waves : Alright, we admit it - the poker straight hair suits only certain face types. Unfortunately, Indian women are blessed with wavy hair. Make the best of your wavy look. Tousle your forward and rub in some styling gel. Flip your hair back and run a comb through it, combing it enough to suit your liking. Think Farah Fawcett of the 60's meets Rose Byrne.

3. Curl it up : The best look that works with curly hair would be to let it be - natural is the way to go! The more you try to comb through your curls, the bushier your curls are going to look. Let your hair loose and use minimal styling products. Avoid curlers and never, ever crunch your curls.

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4. Up do chignons : Immortalized by the evergreen Audrey Hepburn, the up do spells class and elegance rolled into one pretty package. For a better effect, section your hair into three buns to follow the curves in your barrette. Also, you could add blunt bangs for a completely retro look.

5. The Bob : Short and sweet - that's what the bob is all about. The length of your bob is determined by your face cut. While those with angular faces can opt for an uneven bob, nothing works better than the classic cut for most faces. Once again, this look can be worn for both formal and informal occasions.

Natural beauty products often rooted in the past

As you gaze exasperatedly around the Thanksgiving table this week, perhaps you should look upon Aunt Sue or Granny Esther as a potential font of beauty-related wisdom.

Recognizing as much has proved profitable for actress Salma Hayek.

She was raised in the city of Coatzacoalcos in southern Mexico, learning beauty secrets from her grandmother Maria Luisa Lopez, who made scrubs, masks and conditioners using ingredients indigenous to the country — including prickly pear; raw honey; and mamey, a large football-shaped fruit.

“She was an alchemist and would mix beauty knowledge that is also historical tradition and make her own creams in the kitchen,” Hayek wrote by email.

Several decades later, Hayek drew from those traditions for a makeup line, Nuance Salma Hayek: 160 products for the hair, body and face that cost between $5.99 and $19.99 and have been sold at CVS since August 2011.

“I knew I had in my possession precious secrets from her that were better than anything else I had tried,” she wrote.

Sales have been the highest for a proprietary brand in CVS history, said Judy Sansone, a company senior vice president.

Hayek has the built-in advantage of being a celebrity, but she represents just one example of newcomers to the beauty world capitalizing on rituals and ingredients used by their mothers and grandmothers.

For decades, skin-care and cosmetics lines have touted their discovery of the latest scientific breakthroughs to help draw consumers.

Today, though, many are also reaching to the past.

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Natural brands, which include the family-heritage category, have been outpacing the overall market, according to figures from the NPD Group, a market-research company based in Port Washington, N.Y.

In 2011, the brands grew 18 percent, compared with 12 percent for the overall market.

Indeed, some such brands have become positively big-box.

Aveda, for example, started in 1978 with the help of two Ayurvedic doctors who designed products using recipes and ingredients from their Indian grandmothers.

They’re now sold at 7,000 sites worldwide.

The beauty-and-spa chain Caudalie, available at 12,000-plus retailers, bases its treatments and products partly on the upbringing of co-founder Mathilde Thomas at a vineyard in France.

“In the world of beauty, the back story of a brand can be as appealing as the products themselves,” said Amber Katz, founder of the blog Rouge 18.

“These companies are based on homey traditions, and, really, there is something so charming about buying a product that someone’s grandmother mixed up in her kitchen back in the day.”

The many stories include that of Shaffali Skincare, founded by Shaffali Miglani in New York. It uses Indian ingredients such as turmeric and sandalwood, which Miglani’s mother praised as beauty essentials during her childhood in Pawtucket, R.I.

And Vicki Weaver-Payne started Eight Skincare, an Oklahoma City-based line of moisturizing body products, after recalling her mother’s recipe for a hydrating lotion using aloe vera, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil and five other ingredients.

“My mom worked as a mechanic with the Air Force during World War II and had super-dry skin from being in the hangar all day long,” Weaver-Payne said. “So she created this cream that a co-worker told her about, and we used it all the time as kids.”

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, a first-generation American of Kenyan descent, went further afield.

The Nyakio skin-care line she introduced in May on HSN includes exfoliators for body and face inspired by the summers she spent on a coffee farm in Africa.

“One of my first memories,” Grieco said, “is of my grandmother teaching me and my mother to crush coffee beans and rub them on our skin using a piece of sugar cane to remove the dry skin."

In my beauty bag: Rose Matafeo

Rose Matafeo is a Samoan/Scottish/Croatian Billy T award-winning comedian (the honour recognises up-and-coming New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential). Until recently you may have seen the 21-year-old hosting U Live, well she's now a contributor on Seven Sharp and Jono and Ben at 10 (and, just quietly one of Stuff Life & Style's picks for funniest women in the biz').

We met the vintage-loving former Auckland Girls Grammar head girl in her local coffee shop and asked her about beauty.

"I wear makeup mostly at work, on-stage, on shoots and when I want to look nice. Other than that I try go most of my time without it or use it sparingly. I'd rather people know what I look like without makeup so they don't freak out when they see me!

I was pretty late to learn how to use makeup and do my hair - my mum never wears makeup and has dreads so she didn't have much to teach me as a teen! She did bless me with pretty manageable skin though, as well as encouraging me to go natural whenever I could.

I shower and moisturise in the evening so in the morning I go straight to M.A.C Studio Fix Powder, a little bit of Clinique natural-coloured eye shadow, Maybelline liquid eyeliner, Lancome mascara and a natural M.A.C lipstick.

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I only exfoliate when I go to my Mum's and she has something nice!

I used to have really crazy curly, frizzy hair. I get it chemically straightened nowadays which makes it so much more manageable. I do miss my curls, but after 19 years of looking like Diana Ross on a humid day, I was ready for something different!

Because of what I put my hair through I have to put back as much moisture as possible. I use Redken shampoo and conditioner, a Pureology protein spray thing after I've washed it and I rely on Batiste dry shampoo (I can't wash my hair more than 2-3 times a week or it gets too dry).

I usually curl my hair a bit with a hot curler - and I am trying to learn how to curl with my mint green ghds. I want to look like Mary Tyler Moore all the time so apparently I need a bit of hot roller action.

I don't always wear perfume but when I do it's usually Moschino Cheap and Chic! Love.

I wear St Ives, Palmers cocoa butter and sunscreen on my body - although I'm brown I hate to burn. I keep my nails short and I don't paint them because I am so bad at it.

At night my makeup is pretty much the same as for day, except I'll maybe wear a fun bright orange or red M.A.C lip colour, and perhaps go a bit more overboard with the liquid eyeliner flicks.

Everything comes off at bedtime with a makeup wipe and eye makeup remover. I wash my face with Cetaphil, then moisturise with a light oil-free moisturiser. And that's me!

I think that makeup should really enhance what you already have rather than cover everything up."

Givenchy Handbags for Spring/Summer 2014

The Givenchy spring 2014 handbag collection features many elements from the Givenchy spring 2014 fashion collection. The line brought an eclectic blend of African and Japanese influences into the spotlight infusing an urban, modern flair into the new season looks. Though these accents are slightly more subdued compared to the fashion line, there are still many cool ensemble accents which have influenced the new handbag designs.

Among the most recognizable accents from the new line are the animal prints which are featured extensively in the new line. With the urban jungle as an under-theme, the choice is completely understandable. The Givenchy handbags for spring 2014 are practical and stylish at the same time. There are many different versions of the popular Lucrezia bag and of the Antigona bag, ranging from chic monochrome options which can work for a multitude of occasions to attention-grabbing options made to impress at the first glance.

Most of the Givenchy handbags for spring 2014 are designed with practicality in mind, being spacious, classy and versatile enough to work for a myriad of outfits. However, the label doesn't discount less practical but equally lust-worthy alternatives. Those who are looking for a chic alternative with a higher statement making potential might appreciate the multitude of chic clutches. By far, the most intriguing of the options is the medium Antigona clutch in tribal girl double sided print on coated canvas which is sure to make everyone want to take a closer look.

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Other interesting choices from the Givenchy spring 2014 handbag collection are the pyramidal clutches. These attract attention not only due to their unusual shape but also because of the fabrics of choice. With sequin embroideries or colorful mink fur accents, these are sure to be an interesting addition to any outfit. The classiest options from the new Givenchy handbag collection are the lovely minaudieres available in white and grey lizard patterns.

How to Take on the Elements in Style

EVEN ON THE MOST BITTER and blizzard-iest of winter days, Waqaas Fahmawi, a 36-year-old financial lawyer, would never deign to travel to his Stamford, Conn. office in a parka or puffer jacket. "I'm pretty conservative sartorially," said Mr. Fahmawi, who instead wears a single-breasted, notch-collar Aquascutum overcoat, hand-tailored in heavy wool-cashmere. "The puffer is reserved for the most casual occasions," he added. "Like going to the store."

If you're keeping score at home, that would be: Elements, 0. Elegance, 1. It's a point of pride among a certain set of professional men, from young analysts to Masters of the Universe, to maintain decorum in the face of wintry mixes and cold fronts, even as the rest of the huddled populace caves to comfort and function.

It speaks volumes that Mr. Fahmawi's coat is from a UK-based company. "The British are not terribly practical people," joked Alex Wilcox, who grew up in the north of England, and opened the custom clothing shop Lord Willy's in New York in 2006. "We're so steeped in tradition we'll sometimes forego practicality for a more elegant appearance."

He's being modest, of course. The British have come up with some of the most elegant solutions to wicked weather. Mr. Wilcox recently collaborated with Scottish brand Mackintosh to make a limited-edition version of their classic Dunoon coat, which he wears in inclement conditions. "It's a lightweight charcoal Loro Piana [wool]," he said, "that has been fully bonded to be completely water- and windproof."

Many men will forgo a coat as long as they can, using only a scarf, the rake's accessory of choice, for warmth. Their thinking: If I can manage without the encumbrance and bother of a coat, then why not?

In certain parts of the world, however, a coat does eventually become necessary, no matter how plush and protected one's commute may be. Classic wool or cashmere overcoats will do the trick, but some brands go one further. Valentino's Subzero Couture collection currently offers a tailored wool coat that hides a thin goose-down lining. Meanwhile, Brioni's creative director, Brendan Mullane, has been finding ways to boost natural fibers with protective coatings. Brioni also makes coats with discreet luxe linings. "The idea is to spoil the wearer with felted cashmere or fur liners that give not only natural insulation, but also a high level of sophistication," said Mr. Mullane. For fall, he created a refined cashmere parka with a beaver fur-trimmed hood that might pass Wall Street muster.

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There are moments where a dash of sportiness can be acceptable. Designer Simon Spurr, who was recently named creative director of British heritage brand Kent & Curwen (his first collection debuts in January), doesn't entirely rule out the puffer. "I'm all in favor of pairing a down jacket with a suit as long as both are perfectly tailored," he said. A few years ago, he bought a down jacket from Moncler with a shell made of gray flannel instead of the typical nylon. "It changed the way I dressed that winter," he said. Loro Piana's Storm System jackets, which are made of wind-proof and waterproof cashmere and come in a hip-length, ski style have also made inroads into the wardrobes of Wall Street. Though these come in dark neutrals, as opposed to the screaming brights of slope-gear.

For some men, the question of functional-versus-formal footwear is easy. A Dainite sole, which is made of studded rubber and is used by high-end footwear brands like Church's and Paraboot, "is the dressiest way to not fall on your face when it's slippery," said Josh Peskowitz, men's fashion director at Bloomingdale's. Mr. Peskowitz also wears brogue boots by Church's. The style, with round perforations intended to flush water from the shoe, was invented precisely for the slosh. Goodyear welting, a technique of stitching the sole on the outside of the shoe so as to leave the part underfoot unpierced, also helps with water resistance.

Opinion is sharply divided on the issue of rubber overshoes, which protect one's John Lobbs from Jack Frost and the pickling effect of sidewalk salt. "I opt for shoe covers," said Matthew Singer, men's fashion director at the Neiman Marcus Group. "They're easy to slip on and off and allow me to not lug an extra pair of shoes." Others aren't so accepting. Mr. Spurr said he finds shoe covers "depressing." He added, "I'll just wear my shoes and be careful on my way to and from work."

If you happen to be pro-cover, English boot-maker John Lobb makes the platonic ideal. However, the company also offers bad weather alternatives. For the gentleman who's not averse to boots with a suit, Lobb's director of operations, Paul Goring, explained that the company makes versions that are weather-resistant yet refined enough for a formal setting. Many of the company's classic oxfords and loafers, he added, can be made custom with Dainite soles and weather-resistant leather.

Upping the gauge of one's suiting fabric offers another level of warmth without compromising elegance. Kirk Miller, owner of bespoke suitery Miller's Oath, said he goes for fabric with more "guts," like tweed, which is peerless in keeping out damp cold. Flannel suiting is also a fine option. Brioni's Mr. Mullane upgrades the tried-and-true strategy of layering with silk and fine cashmere knits. He also adds cashmere-and-silk knee socks.

Mr. Spurr pointed out that accessories might be the most effective weapon in an elegant gent's weather-combatting arsenal: Cashmere-lined calfskin gloves are a must, as is a good scarf. For panache, he also relies on lapel pins and beautifully made umbrellas.

But then, no matter one's level of preparation, there will still be days when the weather simply wins. On those occasions, elegance might just be the ability to laugh through chattering teeth.

Body + Balance: Business amid beauty

Megan Douglas of World Organic shares her techniques for balancing work and the other important things in life.

Megan Douglas walks a fine line. Running World Organic, a business dedicated to natural health and beauty, she knows the importance of a balanced lifestyle.

However, as any business owner knows, particularly one working from home, it takes dedicated effort to maintain that balance. The ex-fashion designer is the driving force behind World Organic and sister brands River Veda and The Organic Skin Co - organic, ethically sourced makeup and skincare ranges that are tried and tested Viva favourites.

Here, she shares with us how spiritual books, regular yoga practice and a focus on healthy food shared with family and friends keeps her going.

Describe your life right now?

Full and exciting. It is definitely a time of "busyness" as a result of the speed at which our business is growing. Being an integral part of a relatively new business that is firing on all cylinders sometimes feels like being responsible for a room of 50 incredibly active 4-year-olds at a birthday party and having to have attention on all corners of the room.

My own family is also growing up fast. With two children (now teenagers) and the eldest getting closer to flying the roost, I realise how precious time is, so family is totally my other focus.

What keeps you inspired?

Simple things and the unexpected keep me inspired. When we hear back from a World Organic consultant as to how we have touched or helped to change their life for the positive, I feel inspired. Simply seeing the original vision unfold and becoming a successful reality inspires me daily, not to mention family, friends and colleagues who I share experiences with. If one of us falls for a while, someone is always there to pick the other up.

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If you start to feel low in energy what do you do?

If I'm low in energy I'll go to bed embarrasingly early as I love sleep and find it simply the best cure for almost all ailments including negativity, self absorption or disappointment. That feeling of sustained low energy can often be the precursor to feeling sick so I always try to take it a little seriously and treat it with the best medicine, rest.

What do you do to switch off?

I find solitude and being away from all technology helps recharge the nervous system and helps balance a busy, technology-driven life. Quietness helps me put things back into perspective. My bedroom is probably my sanctuary for this, where I'll generally read something from one of my favourite books or simply contemplate my navel (so to speak) and explore whether it actually exists at all. In summer I love a walk in nature but in winter I'd rather be in front of the fire.

How do you incorporate exercise and recreation into your life?

For the last five months I have been going to a gym/club where they have some amazing quality yoga and pilates classes. Restorative yoga, however, is always my favourite because being quite driven I do enjoy someone reminding me to stop and restore. I also love the sauna as a necessary detox. Sometimes it's difficult to find the time to go as there is always a ready reason to work longer or harder at my desk but I try to go two or three times a week. As for recreation, it tends to be something simple with friends and family, often based around a home-cooked meal and wine.

What are you reading at the moment?

I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. It's a modern spiritual classic, which has been my go-to book for over a year now. When I read it I find I can only digest pieces of it at a time and each time I come back into it I find something new to ponder. I find it amazing, it's pretty unique in its clarity and courage and contains many a contemplative thought. I've also just read Practising the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, who I would rate as a modern-day prophet, concise and radiant.

How do you incorporate healthy eating into a busy life?

Healthy eating for me is a matter of good habits and recipes that I have learnt over time, so they have become a pleasure and much preferable over unhealthy foods. I start almost every day with a dish of slow cooked, fabulously tasty flax seeds, nuts, seeds, tapioca and dried fruit spices infused in citrus juice. This keeps my digestion and joints in shape and hunger satisfied.

My sister-in-law Lisette then brings to work a freshly made vegetable Oscar juice. As we work from home, either Richard or I then cook a proper lunch for the whole work tribe and as a result dinner is often quite light.

Ultimately, I find the key to good eating is to use only real, whole and nutritious ingredients (that your great-grandparents would most likely recognise), eat what suits you (we'll learn even more about this with the coming explosion of genome mapping) and prepare the food with joy and creativity so that it's not only healthy but delicious, too.

What are your top five essentials to living life well?

1. Let it go! There's no point obsessing over things you can't control (which is actually a lot).

2. The mind is an incredibly powerful instrument of creativity, so train it to think powerful and positive thoughts and to get rid of negative and limiting thoughts.

3. Feed your body well with good, honest, natural food and products and minimise toxins and chemicals.

4. It's so much better and rewarding to be grateful, tolerant and honest than to be the opposite.

5. Be courageous, as it's likely to be the only way to live the dream life you want to live. Everything is possible.

Candice Swanepoel On Those Wild Victoria's Secret Costumes: 'It's Our Job To Make It Work'

This Wednesday, an army of lithe, long-limbed models will strap on layers of sequins, feathers and jewels along with dozens of bras and panties and march down a runway in front of hundreds of people, an extravaganza that will later be broadcast on TV for millions more viewers.

So what exactly is going through the models' heads when they hit the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, wearing nothing but bra and undies? "Just before, I'm kind of praying that everything goes well and I don't fall," said model Candice Swanepoel, talking to us at her final fitting for her biggest look of the night, the Victoria's Secret Royal Fantasy Bra.

"But once I'm on the runway, I get into this zone. I have this feeling of pride," Candice told us. "It's kind of reflecting over everything I've been through to get there, so it's a very profound feeling. I usually get goosebumps all over my body... and then I'm thinking, 'Oh my God, you can see my goosebumps!'"

No matter how many times she does it, Candice said, she gets nervous -- and not just on the runway. She's still adjusting to the fame that comes from being a Victoria's Secret Angel. "I'm kind of introverted, so sometimes it's hard for me for people to recognize me, [especially] if I'm trying to be kind of undercover," she admitted.

But the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is certainly not one of those times. This time around, Candice will be front and center with the Fantasy Bra, an annual tradition of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This year's "Royal" version is covered in diamonds, rubies and yellow sapphires with a 52-carat ruby in the center; it's valued at a whopping $10 million.

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The matching undies, made of red frilly lace, are also covered with gems. But Candice didn't look at all uncomfortable in them, doing a final walk in front of a room full of staffers at her fitting. There were some adjustments to be made, including a request for additional coverage on the seat of the undies.

But overall, the Fantasy Bra outfit didn't strike Candice as one of her more difficult looks -- and there have been plenty. "I mean, some of the wings are not comfortable at all," Candice said of her past Victoria's Secret Fashion Show costumes. "One year, I was almost going to wear two harps as wings," but they were so heavy she requested they get axed. "If I'd fallen, someone would have had to run on the stage and pick me up because I couldn't get up on my own!" Candice recalled.

"But that's part of being a model -- we wear stuff we don't like, stuff that's uncomfortable. But it's our job to make it work," she added. And she makes it work well.

Check out our sneak peek at Candice's fitting, and stay tuned for photos from the show this Wednesday!

Cool fashion for Christmastime

One of Manila’s fashion destinations is The Ramp Crossings which offers a wide range of merchandise that keeps stylists, fashion mavens and shoppers coming back for more. While the tropical weather may keep most of us from wearing trench coats and knee-high boots, we found sophisticated pieces that would look great for the holidays.

Plaid

Prints have taken the fashion world by storm, and it doesn’t look like the trend would fade anytime soon. Some prints, like plaid which was reminiscent of the ’90s, resurfaced in some of the F/W 2013 collections from YSL, Versace and Isabel Marant.

The Ramp’s plaid pants make a fashion statement with graphic orange checks against bright white. This crisp and tailored look is great for the office; pair with a silky top to look effortlessly chic for almost any occasion.

The chevron print

The Ramp transitions to the cold months with a fresh pattern (think Missoni) to add to your holiday wardrobe: the chevron print. You can take this style from morning meetings to evening dates with a swift adjustment of your accessories. Enhance this bold trend with neutrals and minimal accessories for business meetings, and pair with high heels for a night out. The chevron print will serve as a great addition to your wardrobe, with its dramatic and stylish appeal.

The skort

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A favored 2013 trend for many of us is the skort—a pair of shorts with a fabric panel covering the front to resemble a skirt. This is appropriate for the warm tropical climate, and its versatility makes it wearable for various occasions.

Mixed prints

Take the cue from Mary Kantrantzou with bold and mixed prints. It’s a refreshing take on the print trend, and is a fashion statement for 2013. It may seem frightening or risky to mix prints at the beginning, so tread lightly by blending small designs with larger ones. Wear minimal accessories so as not to look overstated.

Kimono jacket

The kimono jacket looks cool and boho. This instantly styles up any laid-back look—think denim shorts and a tank top. The special Izakaya print on The Ramp’s kimono jacket is so distinct, it’s sure to stand out in any occasion.

Have dandruff and hair loss problems? Try reetha or soap nuts!

Most people suffer from hair related problems given what we are exposed to this day and age. If you do too, it’s time you try hair packs with reetha or use it like a shampoo. Read on to find out why your grandmum’s advice makes sense.

The reason reetha is so good for your hair is because it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which keep infections at bay.

Here’s how you can use reetha for your hair problems:

To eliminate dandruff

If white flakes of dandruff have bothered and embarrassed you for long, here’s a solution to say goodbye to it. Take about 10-15 soap nuts and grind them. Boil them in water for 15 minutes and then let them soak in water overnight. In the morning, strain the nuts and add some amla powder or juice to it. Now apply it on your scalp and let it stay for half an hour. Wash it with a mild shampoo in lukewarm water.

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Cleansing shampoo

Regularly washing your locks keeps various hair problems away but if you use too strong shampoos, they can sap the natural oils out of your scalp and leave it feeling dry and brittle. In order to stop this from happening, switch to a reetha shampoo. Take shikakai and reetha powder in equal quantities and add warm water to bind the two. Now wash your hair with this instead of your regular shampoo. Remember, it does not produce much lather but it still cleanses your hair. If you feel it is too drying for your locks, increase the quantity of shikakai in the shampoo. Team it with a coconut oil champi an hour before you wash your hair for better results.

For shiny, silky locks

Pollution, extensive use of hair styling products and tools can often leave hair dry and damaged. In order to get back its lost sheen, make a pack using reetha, amla and curd (dahi). This will not only condition your hair but also leave it soft.

Janetta Mackay: White shoe shuffle

A month ago, I bought a pair of white punched leather flats, which I fancied were fun. As write this, I haven't worn them, but by the time you read this I may well have succumbed. I'm experimenting by taking these sort-of-sandshoes safely out of the country, to the islands where white is always fashionable.

If I slip my feet into white shoes I will be breaking one of my own little style rules.

Where my self-imposed shackles of supposed good taste come from, I'm not entirely sure. There may have been some childhood conditioning - after I grew out of white toddler sandals - but I think my aversion springs from tribal adolescence. I wore black Dr. Martens and if you were a skanky ho - or worse still, simply had no idea - then you wore fringed white ankle boots. Of course, no one knew what a ho was back then and I hope that nowadays I'm less given to scathing and sweeping wardrobe judgments, but a boot is a no-go zone.

Fashion-forward types will doubtless consider me terribly behind-the-times avoiding white, but before I give up on being judgmental let's just say I don't get how it got "ironic" for stylists to recycle that particular look. Referential maybe, try-hard tired more like.

I do see the appeal of white summer flats on brown skin. But I don't tan.

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The lightest shoe I'll wear is nude and, even then, I'd rather not. White heels I struggle with. On me: no thanks; on others: strappy maybe, courts maybe not.

Yes, yes, I know Bianca Jagger looked fabulous in her white wedding trouser suit and matching shoes, but that's her. Hitch down your hemline. I avoided the issue altogether by not marrying in white.

Women who wear white well do impress, although surely they must carry a spare set of everything in their limos. But white - and that includes fashion's so-called essential white shirt - has never washed with me. Partly because white looks unwashed so damn fast. I know this because, truth to tell, I have previously broken my own anti-white rules. There has been numerous unsuccessful attempts to find the perfect white top and a few pairs of pale shoes to ponder upon. First, there was a pair of pointy-toed white leather flats that I admit to being quite fond of until no amount of shoe cream could save them. Then there was the op-shop find of a pair of white 60s stilettos in mint condition, but they soon scuffed their way out of my wardrobe.

I try to avoid trainers, for all sorts of reasons, but at least they can come coloured. The "white" ones are like blobs of blancmange. In defence of my wardrobe foibles, they do help reduce the clutter of choice.

But change is in the air. Those white lace-ups sit upon my shoe rack, waiting. Down the hall, rules are being broken. Last school holidays, on the drive from Melbourne airport to the city, my daughter spotted a giant billboard of a model wearing what looked like a white roman sandal with a platform sole. Turns out these flat-forms are the shoe of the season for young things, and soon we were spotting versions in every chain store all ver

town. Pester power secured her a pair.

But please, not an ankle boot!

Halloween special: 5 bizarre beauty treatments that spooked us out

October 31 is celebrated as Halloween the world over.

The eve of trick-or-treat, horror stories, costume parties and scary make-up is upon us. While Halloween is all about these things, we list a few scary and bizarre beauty treatments that we found downright spooky. Are you a braveheart to try them out? Read on to find out!

Vampire facial

This beauty treatment certainly goes well with the Halloween spirit. It involves drawing out blood from one’s body and then injecting it back in the person’s face. It is believed that since one’s own blood is used, it creates platelet-rich plasma which smoothes out fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian had given it a try once. The results are said to be instant you so can go for this treatment just before your Halloween party.

Cryotherapy treatment

How would you like to freeze your body for some time? If that is your idea of fun, then try cryotherapy which essentially involves exposing yourself to extremely low temperatures (as low as -140 degrees) for a short duration of time. Apparently, this eliminates toxins from the body, helps regenerate tissues and stimulates collagen production. A celebrity who’s tried it is Demi Moore.

Leech therapy

In this, slimy leeches are placed on your face and neck to let them detoxify your blood, leaving you with a fresher and younger looking feeling. Medically, a few variety of leeches have been used to cure a few diseases and now they are being used for cosmetic purposes as well. Demi Moore once admitted she let leeches such on her blood to look younger.

Joker smile surgery

Want to emulate the joker with a permanently fixed smile on your face, even when you are sad? This is what the joker smile surgery will do for you. The procedure will curl up the corners of your lips by altering your facial muscles and their setting especially the jaw muscles which are responsible for giving you a droopy smile as they pull the lips downwards.

Fire facial

If extreme cold is not your cup of tea, try extreme heat. In fire facials, a towel soaked in alcohol and a secret elixir is put on the face and then the towel is lit-up for some time before it is extinguished. It is believed that fire creates extreme heat which can treat the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines, etc by altering one’s body’s chemistry due to the adrenalin response.

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Charles James Is the Met's 2014 Costume Institute Exhibition

Calling all fashion historians: Ever heard of Charles James? You’ll know more than you ever dreamed in a few months time after the Metropolitan Museum of Art features the Anglo-American couturier next year in its annual Costume Institute exhibit.

In an email announcement on Monday to its members, the Met revealed “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” will be the Costume Institute’s 2014 exhibition. It will run from May 8 until August 10, 2014.

The London-born designer moved to the U.S. in 1940. He had no formal training, but, according to the Met:

complex cut and seaming led to the creation of key design elements that he updated throughout his career: wrap-over trousers, figure-eight skirts, body-hugging sheaths, ribbon capes and dresses, spiral-cut garments, and poufs.

The Condé Nast image accompanying the announcement shows debutante-aged women in a grand parlor, swathed in feet of icy blue and creme silk, elbow length gloves in site. It is decidedly elegant, expensive, and dated. Approachable? No. But then again neither are the Picassos and Goyas lining the halls of the venerable institute. Sometimes art needs to be an escape. The Charles James exhibit appears to fit nicely into this category.

You might remember that the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit in 2011 smashed attendance records for the Met’s Costume Institute, drawing 661,509 visitors.

I don’t expect this exhibit to garner the same widespread attention; I have never heard of Charles James before and I am fairly confident that a large portion of others haven’t, either. The exhibit will have to stand on its own merit, and Charles James on his vintage couture designs (unlike the Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit in 2012 that touted the Italian designers’ names, but fell flat in designs).

Though we don’t want to fuel the fires of speculation, perhaps someone deep in the fashion PR trenches is staging a comeback for the Charles James line. Far fetched considering the designer died in 1978, but you might remember that a retrospective of the Madame Vionnet designs in 2009 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs was an unexpected prelude to the relaunch of the brand (which now has a star following and billionaire Russian designer backing it up).

Last year’s punk exhibit (photo above) made goth very glamorous and incited a conversation not only on the origins of punk, but also of counterculture movements en masse.

I, along with many other art fashion fans, will wait with baited breath, hot with chiffon hopes and couture anticipations — and I can’t wait to see those gowns at the Gala.

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Great Witch Hazel Beauty Uses

This great natural ingredient is eco-friendly and very cheap and you can find it in almost every drugstore. The final distilled product that's sold to us comes form the steam of witch hazel's leaves and bark. Plus, it comes in various forms, as an astringent, wipes or cream, so all you have to do is choose the best suited for your skin condition.

5 Uses For Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel Uses: Acne

One of the most important uses of witch hazel is in treating acne. You probably didn't know, but using it regularly will help you fight acne and blemishes. You should also know that this is a natural astringent that will help you control the oil level and reduce inflammations. We recommend using witch hazel as a toner. Apply it on your face after removing your makeup and shortly you'll see a great improvement of your acne.

Witch Hazel Uses for Skin: Helps Healing Bruises

Another great property of witch hazel is that it helps speeding up the healing process of your bruises. Add some witch hazel on a cotton pad and then apply it on your open bruise. You should repeat this procedure three time a day. Moreover, the tannins contained by witch hazel's leaves, bark and twigs will help you reduce the swelling and regenerate your skin. Soon enough, your bruises will be healed!

What Is Witch Hazel Used for: Refreshing Your Skin

We simply love this natural ingredient because it's the perfect skin refresher during hot summer days. Sun exposure during summer leaves your skin oily so you need a good cleanser. That's why we recommend witch hazel as a natural cleanser because it will remove all impurities and excess oil very fast and will let your skin rejuvenated and glowing. Plus, it smells divinely.

Witch Hazel Use: Eases Psoriasis and Eczema

If you've been dealing with one of these conditions, then we're happy to recommend witch hazel. It has some great anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce the pain, the redness and itching, those common symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. Moreover, we'd also recommend paying your dermatologist a visit if you have very sensitive skin.

Great Witch Hazel Use for Your Skin: Keeps Your Skin Moisturized

Witch hazel oil eliminates water loss and keeps your face skin hydrated. We recommend using it right after you took a shower because you'll not only moisturize your skin, but you'll also prevent it from becoming dry.

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Adidas leads a dance revolution for women

The bonds shared between girls in Southeast Asia is celebrated by adidas with its first ever regional campaign for women.

NOTHING beats getting things done with your girlfriends and adidas is here to support just that.

This season, adidas introduces its first Southeast Asia campaign for women. It centres on the key insight that girls in Southeast Asia rely on their peers and communities as a source of strength and play an instrumental role in inspiring each other to go all in, whatever their pursuits.

Created by women for women, ‘all in for #mygirls’ is about providing inspiration, support and motivation through the sharing of real stories of real women through multiple touch points, to encourage Southeast Asia girls to go all in for their sporting passions.

The brand has teamed up with local ambassadors from across the region – Fay Hokulani (representing Malaysia and Singapore), Ana Karylle Padilla Tatlonghari (Philippines), Si Phitsinee Tanwiboon (Thailand), Maria Selena (Indonesia) and Nguyen Thi Kim Dung (Vietnam) – bringing them together on one social platform to connect and share their experiences, sporting passions and personal motivations to spur each other and other girls on in their individual pursuits.

#mygirls for Southeast Asia kicks off with the release of the Fall/Winter FW13 women’s training collection. The first phase is themed around the girls’ love for dance, and the campaign was launched across the region on Sept 15 supported by retail, public relations, digital and online activations through adidas’ Facebook page.

Decked out in bold and playful colours, the photo shoot presented the upbeat, unique and energetic nature of the women. The stylish yet comfortable Techfit, CIimalite and Yoga apparel, coupled with the sporty adiPURE and Climacool footwear brought out the sassy and exuberant dancer in the girls.

Designed primarily for indoor training, the adipure 360 footwear is made of super light and flexible materials, featuring the latest in technology to support multidirectional movement. The anatomically designed shoe provides comfort and support throughout every stretch, every stride and every step making it a hot feature in dance spotlight.

Alternatively, the Climcacool features new ventilation channels across the outsole and the use of climacool material on the upper of the shoe, which helps sweat to evaporate. In addition, the COOLEVER lining, a special clover-shaped yarn, keeps the foot cool, dry and comfortable during your activities. The achieved performance benefit of 360° ventilation reduces thermal stress and discomfort during workouts and results in increased performance.

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How to be a happily single woman

Being single can be a source of anxiety for many. Here, women give their tips on dating, sex and embracing single life to the full, whatever your age.

TIMES have never been better for single women. Long gone are the days when they needed a man to pay the bills and protect them, with a social status dependent on their spouse. Despite the return of Bridget Jones, there are single people of all ages out there going about their business and enjoying themselves, and the word spinster has pretty much been outlawed.

And yet, says Zoe Strimpel, who is organising a discussion on the topic at this year’s Cambridge Festival of Ideas in Cambridge, Britain, being unattached and over 30 remains a source of anxiety for many. Concerns range from mass hysteria over biological clocks through to fear of coping alone in old age, via unhelpful stereotypes of cat ladies and cougars.

“Sometimes it’s hard to know how to be a neutral single woman,” says Strimpel. Joining her in discussion will be relationship counsellor Susan Quilliam, psychologist Cecilia d’Felice, and authority on sexual matters, Rowan Pelling.

Here is a preview of key tips from the event, entitled How To Be A Single Woman In 2013, Whether You’re 25 Or 60, along with some thoughts from happily single women.

Age 20-30

Don’t feel obliged to regale your coupled-up friends with wild tales from dating’s front line. There’s an immense pressure to be showily “single and loving it”, says Strimpel, whose book The Man Diet was published last year.

“I have heard some distressing sexual things women have reluctantly done in the name of fun,” she adds, “such as going home with unfriendly randoms only to be secretly appalled by their callous and unattractive behaviour, the porn pop-ups carelessly left flashing on their laptop.”

People expect that their single friends will want to talk about men, whether it’s about sex, or deconstructing their behaviour per se, “but the more you talk about something, the more entrenched in your mind it becomes”, breeding unhealthy obsessions, says Strimpel.

Engage in lofty activities. When you’ve been burning the candle in search of romance, only to find yourself exhausted, try staying in to read War And Peace instead. That’s what Strimpel did, and it helped her gain some perspective. “I felt so smug,” she says. “I couldn’t believe that I had bothered with these losers when I was now too busy contemplating the battle of Borodino in 1812.”

30-40

Don’t feel like a failure; seize the opportunity to find yourself instead. “When you’re in a relationship, it’s very hard to see yourself clearly because you’re constantly in response to your partner,” says d’Felice. Whereas when you’re single, you can take stock, learn from your mistakes and work out what you want for the future. “Particularly for women who have been conditioned to be givers rather than takers,” she adds, it’s an opportunity to put ourselves first. “This is not an act of selfishness,” she says, “it’s a very important act of selfhood.”

Contentment is key. Tina Andrews, who has been single for a decade, points out that there are happy and unhappy people in and out of relationships. “For me it’s about being content and, hopefully, that takes you on the right path. I see more pain and misery from women who think they should be in a relationship, who put themselves out there to be knocked back, and lose a sense of themselves. I think: you’ve wasted 10 years trying to find a man while I’ve enjoyed myself.”

Avoid women’s magazines. Patti Burton, a charity manager who has been single for more than 20 years, cites her disinterest in glossy articles “aimed at people who are part of couples”, as one of the reasons she has never felt any stigma about her relationship status.

40-50

Don’t be afraid of 40. Andrews felt in the run-up that her options were falling away, but then realised: “I actually don’t care. I don’t have the urge to have a family, and I don’t see 40 as the end of that anyway. As we grow up, our expectations of certain ages change. It’s the Friends generation turning into the Sex And The City generation, moving into The Golden Girls. Life continues at all these ages.”

Give thanks that you’re among the last generation who didn’t learn about sex from Internet porn.

Single mums can have fun, too. “Of my friends who wanted to be older mums,” says Pelling, “more of them had children than not, despite everyone saying their chances were about 2%.” And those who went for it on their own with sperm-donor dads are still dating. “The biggest change is Internet dating, so you don’t have to join the amateur dramatics society and the tennis club any more to meet people.”

50-60

Women do not become invisible in middle age. “Some of the most attractive, lusted-after women I know are in their 50s. It’s up to you whether you think it’s time to withdraw,” says Pelling. You do, however, have to be robust in the face of those who want to knock women down. “But it’s not as if we’re dressing to attract people of 28 ... Why should we have to not be a sexual person just because we’re on the wrong side of 45?”

Don’t be hemmed in by cliches. You can’t stop people using labels, such as cougar, says Pelling. “Culturally, we’re much worse than, say, the French about older people having sex. Everyone in France expects glamorous 60-year-olds will be, but we’re sort of still coping with the idea. There are a load of unpleasant terms out there but it’ll get you nowhere having any anxiety about those.”

60-plus

Don’t take the decreasing numbers of men personally. “Be realistic,” says Quilliam, “and face the fact that there are fewer men than there once were and you’ll probably live longer than most of them.”

Enjoy not having to pick up anyone’s pants any more. When her marriage ended, Burton (now 65) assumed she’d eventually have another live-in relationship but what has largely been on offer is “lonely men who need looking after. I’ve got three children and six grandchildren – I do not need a middle-aged man to look after.”

All ages

Be positive, says Quilliam, “if for no other reason than bitterness is not a good look – to attract a partner, for your friends to hang round and, most importantly, for you.” Don’t spend the rest of your life saying “... the bastard’s robbed me”. Do whatever it takes to move on: counselling, talking to friends, rethinking your life.

Be self-determining. It’s easy to be passive, says Quilliam. If you want a partner, try Internet dating, or taking other steps to find one. And if you want to stay single, or have a string of casual affairs, go for it. You now have the freedom.

Connect in a way that’s right for you. Burton gets all the human warmth she needs from her family. Or gather friends around you, says Quilliam: “You can get most of what you want from people other than a partner.”

Finally, Quilliam quotes the words that poet Seamus Heaney texted to his wife last month when he was on the brink of death and she was facing widowhood: “nolle timere” (don’t be afraid). “The key thing about being single is don’t be frightened. In today’s world as a woman, you have huge status, you can manage on your own, you can choose to build your own life.”

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Krishna Mehta explores handloom textiles of Benaras

After successfully featuring the textile and craft of Gujarat and Manipur, designer Krishna Mehta showcased the weaving community of Varanasi or Benaras for her latest collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW).

Mehta's "The Magic Woven...by Krishna Mehta", saw tasteful designs and vibrant colour combinations on garments. Traditional buttis, bellas and phoolpatti, with prints, applique embellishments and embroidery techniques in the design celebrated the weaving legacy of Benaras, one of India's oldest textile centres.

"Being a textile weaver, I love textile collections. Last time my collection was on Manipur weaving, and I have also done collections of Pochampally in Andra Pradesh. This time I decided to do a collection with Benaras because the city is very famous for its handlooms. You can get the best cotton and silk in Benaras. Moreover after weaving, the textile is very versatile so I chose Benaras for my spring summer collection," the designer said.

Mehta used printing and dyeing techniques from crafts and traditions across the world, juxtaposing them with vibrant handloom textiles.

"I have used Jaikart with extra yarn as a weaving technique and for texture I have used Shibori and Tie & Dye. I have constructed comfortable silhouettes and have used a whole spectrum of colours from pastel to bright, for instance, fresh mint and peach to bright reds and fuchsias," she said.

The collection line-up had elegant garments and accessories, in hand-woven fine cotton and silk Jamdanis, Kinkhabs, Tanchoi, and cutwork fabrics, created by using multiple innovative weaving techniques that complement the materials.

Mehta entered into an association with the government for this collection, and thanked the development commissioner for handlooms of the ministry of textiles of the government of India for support.

"I got a lot of help and support from the government of different states. They usually help me visit the best places and choose the right yarn, etc. The government also helps weavers to produce the textile of my choice, providing them yarn which is not easily available. I must say that the government has always made an immense contribution to putting my collection together," she said.

She added that Indian designers could do much more to promote traditional textile and handlooms.

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Canceled Candidates, One-Man Police Department, Traffic Fatalities, Duggar Family Trail and More on the W&OD.

Patch has 31 sites in Virginia and Washington. Here are some of the top stories from around the region this week.

Beloved Reston Watering Hole to Close After 22 Years

The Lakeside Inn, the neighborhood bar and restaurant for a generation of Restonians, announced it will be closing by the end of October.

Updated: Comstock-Murphy Forum in Great Falls Canceled Due to Anticipated Crowding, 'Outside Disruption'

A candidate forum between incumbent Republican state Del. Barbara Comstock and Democratic challenger Kathleen Murphy in Great Falls for Tuesday night was canceled due to the anticipated crowd being too large for the venue.

One email from the Great Falls Citizens Association's debate team that was forwarded to Patch blamed the cancellation on "outside disruption."

The move has angered gun safety advocates, who had planned a small demonstration outside of the event and wanted to pressure the incumbent into talking about her record.

Fairfax City Petland Lawsuit and Countersuit Both Thrown Out of Court

The brakes were put on two dueling lawsuits Wednesday between the infamous Fairfax City Petland store and one of its customers, who purchased a $2,400 Maltese puppy named Ty back in May that died 13 days later of multiple causes including an upper respiratory sinus infection and hypoglycemia. Petland’s management is suing customer Kevin Mulcahy for the $1,100 balance on the puppy, while Mulcahy is countersuing for the initial $1,300 deposit he put down as well as vet bills, supplies and several days of lost wages to care for the sick puppy and appear in court at least three times thus far.

Readers React to Jogger-Cyclist Crash on W&OD Trail

After Patch ran a story last week on a serious collision that took place on the Washington & Old Dominion trail that sent a cyclist and a jogger to the hospital, hundreds of Patch readers clicked on the story and some weighed in.

Police are stepping up their presence on the popular trail after the serious crash between a cyclist and jogger Sunday before last, according to a news release from the City.

Police Chief Mary Gavin announced last week the additional deployment of bicycle and motorcycle officers along the popular (W&OD) trail, to educate and enforce park and traffic laws.

Officer Starts His Own Private Police Department in Manassas

Michael Youlen is a force to be reckoned with—a police force, that is.

Youlen, a former Manassas Police officer and private detective, started his own police force, the Manassas Housing Police Authority, in Manassas just over a year ago.

Hemorrhoids, Fungus, Dog Poop More Popular Than Congress, Poll Reports

What are some things more popular than Congress right now?

Hemorrhoids, toenail fungus and dog poop among other items, according to Public Policy Polling released Tuesday.

Tysons Corner's CustomInk Named Top Place to Work

Tyson’s Corner-based CustomInk was named one of the top places to work.

The custom T-shirt company was ranked eighth out of 25 medium-sized workplaces on the Great Place to Work list. The company was profiled due to employee perks like weekly meals, parties, tuition reimbursement, and an informal dress code, according to the list.

New Ghostly Stories on Haunted Occoquan Tour

Local ghost tour guide and paranormal investigator Kay Pietrewiczhas collected even more ghostly tales this year, just in time to guide visitors through the haunted streets of Occoquan during Halloween season.

Third Accident Raises Fatality Total in Loudoun Over Weekend to Five

Another fatal accident over the weekend reported by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office raises the total to five.

An accident in Aldie Friday afternoon killed a Texas woman on a weekend when two additional accidents too the lives of four other people in Loudoun County, according to reports from the LCSO and Virginia State Police.

Mars Candy Heiress Was Driver in Fatal Crash Friday in Loudoun

The driver of a Porsche SUV that struck a minivan occupied by several Texas women in Aldie on Friday has been identified as Jacqueline Mars, one of the richest women in the world and a co-owner of Mars Inc., the world’s largest candy company.

One of the passengers from the minivan died in the accident, and prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine whether charges should be filed.

Man Stable After Falling 15 Feet Through Grate in Ballston

A man in his mid-50s fell through a grate in the small grassy area between 950 N. Glebe Road and an adjacent building shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Rescue workers were able to pull the man to safety and transport him to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he was in stable condition.

The man was walking to a meeting when the grate collapsed under him, Arlington County Fire Capt. Bill Shelton said. Shelton could think of only one other similar instance of something like this happening in the last 17 years.

Roundabout Proposed at ‘Failing’ Braddock, Pleasant Valley Road Intersection in Centreville

Fairfax County residents have until Oct. 23 to weigh in on the proposed roundabout which would replace the existing four-way stop that transportation officials say has to go.

The intersection of Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads in Centreville is considered problematic and is now the subject of a $4 million improvement project that could transform it into roundabout.

The intersection, which is near Cox Farms, is currently a four-way stop, with a single lane in each direction, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) data shows.

Problems occur during peak hours on weekday morning and evenings, when the intersection becomes extremely congested, causing backups on Braddock Road.

Police: Arlington Man Sexually Assaulted Roommate While She Slept

A 31-year-old Arlington man has been accused of sexually assaulting his roommate while she slept.

Police say Allister Kennedy entered his 24-year-old roommate's bedroom at about 11:50 p.m. Monday. Kennedy allegedly pinned the woman down while she slept and sexually assaulted her.

The woman eventually fought him off and called 911, police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said.

2 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured in Crash on Van Dorn Street Outside Alexandria

Two people were killed and a third person injured early Sunday morning when a car crashed into a bridge pillar on Van Dorn Street near Vine Street, police said.

Police: Alexandria Man Arrested, Charged with Sexual Battery

Fairfax County police responded to a call around 6:40 p.m. Monday in the Huntington area of Alexandria after a woman reported she was inappropriately touched while riding a public transit bus.

Man Charged in Deadly Crash on I-95 in Stafford

Virginia State Police charged a Hampton, Va., man with reckless driving in a Tuesday morning four-vehicle crash on I-95 which killed one, injured two and snarled the morning commute for hours.

Teenager Robbed, Assaulted on Old Blacksmith Drive in Burke

A 16-year-old boy was robbed and assaulted while walking on Old Blacksmith Drive near Villagesmith Way in Burke Monday.

The teenager was ambushed by three people around 6:40 p.m. and had his property stolen, according to the daily crime report released by Fairfax County Police Department Tuesday.

Duggar Family to Visit Woodbridge to Support Ken Cuccinelli

As part of their recently-announced Virginia Values Bus Tour, theDuggar family, stars of the TLC reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting," will be visiting Woodbridge next Wednesday to raise support for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli.

3 Dead in Triangle Trailer Fire

Three adults were found dead in a Triangle trailer after a fire broke out early Tuesday morning, Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials said.

Firefighters responded to a fire at the mobile home near the 18700 block of Fuller Heights Road around 3:22 a.m. They were able to extinguish the fire, but found three adults dead inside the building. Officials believe the three victims, who are unidentified at this time, were residents of the home.

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Kate Moss could front Topshop move into China

Kate Moss could lead Topshop into China after the fashion chain's billionaire owner Sir Philip Green said he was in "advanced discussions" to open its first outlets in the country.

With the model set to put her name to a new collection for the retailer, due to launch in 40 countries next April, Green said today: "We could use that as an opportunity to open 20 to 30 pop-up stores within department stores in China."

Moss's latest collaboration with Topshop will be the first since she walked away from a previous project three years ago. The model, who was paid a reported £3m for her first collaboration, will work on the new collection with stylist Katy England and Topshop's creative director, Kate Phelan. At 39, she is old enough to be the mother of many Topshop customers, but Green insisted she still had fashion influence.

"Show me anybody with better fashion credibility. She's spent 20 years in the industry – who knows the business better?"

Using Moss's name in China would echo Topshop's move into the US four years ago, where the model's worldwide appeal helped secure sites in a number of Nordstrum stores as well as four standalone stores.

Green, who opened a Topshop store in Hong Kong this summer, said he was in negotiations with a number of parties about different opportunities on the mainland, and Topshop's China launch might also begin with standalone stores alongside department store outlets.

He could not say when these might open but said: "We can open in any market pretty quickly. If we did the deal tomorrow we could open in six weeks."

Green is also looking at pop-up shops for Topshop Unique, the catwalk range which showed during London fashion week.

Meanwhile, Topshop is continuing its expansion trail in the US where it is just completing the opening of 20 new Nordstrum outlets. Green said more could follow next year if the current batch perform well, and there could be as many as 70 across the country in future as well as standalone stores. He is in negotiations to open four of five more high street outlets with plans for at least one more New York store.

This year the Arcadia Group, which includes Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Miss Selfridge, Wallis and Evans as well as Topshop, has opened 154 new stores globally, taking its total to about 700.

In the UK, Green is conducting a "capital investment review" amid increased competition from the internet and rival chains. Each of the Arcadia brands has been asked to make a pitch on how it could rejuvenate the look of its stores.

Green would not put a figure on his investment plans but said trial revamps of Dorothy Perkins and Burton stores in Bluewater, Kent, and an Evans store on Oxford Street, London, had produced double-digit increases in sales. He said each chain could get a budget to try an updated look in 10 to 30 stores.

Green has previously announced plans to pull out of 200 to 300 smaller stores when leases expire and he confirmed that process was continuing.

The everyday things that age you

COMMUTING

Whether you spend half an hour a day waiting at bus stops or you simply walk to work, pollution clogs pores, breaks down collagen and leaves skin dull and lifeless. Plus a build-up of oil and dirt can lead to breakouts.

To help fight damaging free radicals skin expert Amanda Elias recommends choosing a moisturiser to protect you when you're out and about.

"Look for an anti-oxidant. SPFs are important even in the winter as UVA rays cause skin ageing too," she says. "You also need a good end-of-day cleansing routine to remove make-up and also the grime that has settled on your skin throughout the day."

Take your make-up off as soon as possible. "Remove it no later than eight o'clock so you're not too tired to do it properly."

WASHING UP

"Often people don't think of their hands when it comes to anti-ageing but they are one of the first places age shows. They can be neglected, especially when we're always plunging them into hot soapy water," says Amanda.

Cleaning the dishes doesn't however have to be bad for our hands. She suggests using washing up as a pampering session.

"Two or three times a week massage in a thick layer of cream before putting on rubber gloves. The heat from the water will warm the cream and help it sink deeper into your skin."

Washing our hands continuously throughout the day causes them to become dehydrated too.

"Even when we do use an SPF on them we end up washing it off which leads to age spots so try to remember to reapply."

YOUR DESK

We know that sitting at a desk all day is bad for us but it can add years to your face too. When stressed our sebaceous glands produce more oil resulting in adult acne, plus tired eyes become dry and more lined.

Jill Zander, founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, recommends regular desk breaks for their beauty benefits. "Even if just for a few minutes, make sure you get out of the office," she says. "Being outside tops up your vitamin D levels which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen."

Air conditioning also wreaks havoc on our skin causing a dull, dry look.

"Always make sure to keep a large bottle of water to hand to stay hydrated from within through the day," advises Jill.

Bacteria on phones and keyboards are transferred to your hands and face causing breakouts so give the area a good clean once a week.

YOUR SLEEP POSITION

We all need our beauty sleep but depending on which way you lie you might be causing unwanted lines and wrinkles.

Most at risk is your chest.

"If you lie on your side the skin naturally creases," says Michael Oko, who runs a sleep disorder clinic in London's Harley Street.

You can try to combat this by making sure you are ready to sleep. This will mean you're less likely to keep tossing and turning.

"To ensure you fall asleep in the position of your choice, try to get into a routine," Michael advises.

"Stick to it every night to ease yourself into a sleeping pattern. Have a bath before getting ready for bed and leave iPads and gadgets outside the bedroom. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to beauty sleep. Without good quality sleep skin doesn't heal and regenerate."

To keep larger breasts from ageing try sleeping in a bra. It will hold them in place and stop the delicate skin stretching as you sleep.

WASHING YOUR FACE

While our faces certainly benefi t from a regular exfoliation to lift away dead skin, scrubbing too hard actually has an ageing effect.

"When you scrub you can create tears deep in the epidermis," says Amanda Elias. These tiny irritations cause dry, fl aky and uneven skin.

Amanda recommends using a facial exfoliator with glycolic acid.

"This gently dissolves the dead skin cells from your face," she states.

The eye area is especially sensitive and extra care should be taken.

"The skin is thinner than that of the rest of your face and it doesn't produce its own oil." Make sure you go easy when cleansing in the morning in order not to strip skin of its natural protective oils. If you've thoroughly cleaned your skin the night before, doing it again in the morning could dry it out.

"Cleanse upwards in circular motions to stimulate skin without pulling it downwards," adds Amanda.

WATCHING TV

From helping you to pile on the pounds to lowering your mood, watching too much TV could be making you old before your time.

"Being sedentary for extended periods increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Simply getting up off your sofa could help you live a longer, happier life," says Dr Emma Wilmot from the University of Leicester. She advises that getting up and about in the evening, even if you just have a chat on the phone while doing chores, is sure to improve your mood more than sitting for hours in front of the box.

"Being social is a great mood enhancer and good for your self-esteem.

"Also, it may not be very glamorous but try doing more housework." For instance, rather than sticking everything in the dishwasher, wash delicate things by hand. Ticking jobs off your to-do list can send you to bed with a feeling of satisfaction at time well spent, making you more tired but relaxed and ready for sleep - crucial for keeping skin looking youthful.

RUSHING AROUND

Living your life at a hundred miles an hour is ageing, says occupational psychologist Sue Firth.

"The stress hormone cortisol can cause you to put on weight, zap your energy and leave you feeling fed-up."

Getting back in control of your life will make you feel less overwhelmed.

"Try very hard not to sweat the small stuff and stay calm," says Sue. "Talk to yourself positively about what you've achieved. Does it really matter if you didn't make it right to the end of your to-do list?" Technology has increased so much that it's impossible to switch off.

"Try not to be always looking at your phone," suggests Sue. "Just because you get a message doesn't mean you have to respond. Give yourself fi ve minutes to just sit and relax. You'll be surprised how much it helps.

"If you can pace yourself in your day you'll live longer and look much fresher."

COMPLAINING

We all love a good moan but negative thoughts de-energise you and if you're down on the inside you don't look great on the outside.

You can let your complaints out but place a time limit on it. Make a decision to have 10 minutes twice a week to moan.

Why not enlist a friend who will demand 10 pence from you every time you complain?

"If the things you believe about your life aren't helping you then try to turn your negative thoughts on their head," says Sue.

"Think of something that makes you moan such as my boss hates me'. Is it actually true? Say instead: My boss might not be easy but he's not as bad as some'."

Try this for a week and see if thinking more positively helps you feel brighter and lighter.

It will certainly help others to see you in a better light.