I must admit, Mary’s magic continues to impress me on our TV screens. She just gets it, says it like it is and seems to be right on the money as far as fashion and retail go.
I was lucky enough to be taken around by new General Manager Paul Mitchell before it opened. He was super familiar and then it dawned on me that this was the very man in the Mary’s first series who launched her Oxford Street site (you see there is always a Scot in there somewhere).
It’s an impressive space – 2500 sq ft - and does have a pretty unique personality, with quirky fittings, Mary mannequins everywhere and an impressive collection. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Check out the neon slouchy-chic tees, colour pop dresses and my personal favourite and top trend, the silver leather pencil skirt – priced £199. It’s a great look that all sizes and shapes can pull off. Get it before it’s too late!
Raquel's a bigwig in business
We’ve all done it. Gasped at that amazing celebrity hairstyle and pondered about just how they get it looking that good?
Wigs, of course! No great secret to the inner circle of fashionista's and indeed savvy consumers. It’s difficult to escape the prying eyes of the paparazzi, dissecting every inch of the shot.
We’ve seen Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Tyra Banks, Reese Witherspoon, Rhianna and the ever faithful wig supporter, our very own Joan Collins sport these fabulous (false) tresses.
Hats off to them, they do look great and given the stress from the endless blow-drying required for their the countless appearances, I may do the same! But did you know how big the wig business actually is?
A lady well known to us all and famous for her celebrated curves, the screen star Raquel Welch is cashing it in. Yes, as a life long wig wearer (I knew it…) she serves as the face and consultant on her namesake hairpiece collection ‘The Raquel Welch Wig Collection’.
Introduced in 1998, by Kansas based HairUWear Inc, is expected to generate some $50 million in retail sales in 2012, according to industry sources. That’s some amount of wigs eh?
But these are no ordinary wigs. These are state of the art wigs for high maintenance ladies who are short on time (between lunches, red carpets, parties, and nailbars…). Welch was quoted as saying: ‘They make the fast lane so much easier and more glam.” You’re right Raquel, but my lane is a wee bit over from yours (I’m talking school runs, kids dentists, supermarket shopping, drycleaners, work, and thankfully a good dose of glamorous events too).
But let me tell you, if I could find a wig that could cut the time down in the morning I may be tempted. But then I would still need someone to style it, spray it, and backcomb it. Oh bother, I’ll just stick to Taylor Ferguson and let them worry about it!
If you are tempted on Raquel’s 24/7 Glamour line, prices range from $134 - $345. I love the wig names though. ‘FanFare’, ‘Camera Ready’ and ‘Hearthrob’. You got to hand it to her though, for if wigs are the secret to retaining that ageless and sensual look, then who are we to argue.
UK stockist’s www.naturalimagewigs.co.uk & www.wigs.com
GIVE UP CLOTHES FOR GOOD
If any of you fashionista’s are looking to clear your conscious from all the ‘must have’ items you’ve picked up over the year’s and never worn, (let’s face it, probably equates to a quarter of your wardrobe), then why not put them into a bag, drop them off at your nearest TK Maxx during the month of April.
They will be collected and taken to the nearest Cancer Research charity shop to raise money to help beat kids cancer!
The campaign is being supported by a host of celebs from Alexandra Burke, Hugh Bonneville, Petra Ecclestone (she’s apparently ordered a container…kidding), Melanie C and Olympic athlete Chemmy Alcott. There’s never been a better reason to clear out your wardrobe.
www.cancerresearchuk.org and www.tkmaxx.com
86 AND COUNTING
If you are out and about Glasgow’s West End be sure to stop by ‘86’, the super trendy boutique at 86 Dumbarton Road. As part of the Design Collective Scotland, this little gem is only stocking Scottish designers, providing that all important retail platform for new and emerging talent hailing from these parts.
Driving force Emily Lamb revealed that 86 would stock Marc Ross (have a fabulous bespoke leather jacket from Marc), Di Gilpin, Obscure Couture, (think the new Pam Hogg but a duo), Hilary Grant, William Chambers (can’t get enough of his hats) and more (all Scottish Fashion Awards past winners and nominees I might add).
Next month, I hear through the grapevine that the inimitable hosiery designers that form Bebaroque and Henrietta Ludgate (winner of Young Designer of the Year at Scottish Fashion Awards last year and red carpet favourite of the super glam Livia Firth – wife of Colin – come on you knew that…) will be on the floor – that is a coup for this little retail gem. Best of luck to them!
