Luxe Mail - 2009

Wrapped Up in Cashmere

Monday 21st December 2009

It’s hardly a secret that here at SheerLuxe, we have a major weakness for cashmere. But not just any cashmere – which is why when a new cashmere brand hits the web, we put it through the rigorous SheerLuxe wear test... It’s a hard life... New cashmere boutique Lily Stone...

'Tis the Season...to Party!

Wednesday 16th December 2009

The festive party season is well and truly upon us and in our Christmas present shopping panic, we almost forgot to fill our wardrobes with dazzling dresses and statement accessories in preparation for all those parties (the office get-together, cocktail parties, and not forgetting New Year’s Eve). Panic not – just click...

Christmas All Wrapped Up

Monday 14th December 2009

If you thought that once the Christmas shopping is complete the hard work will be over, you’d be wrong. Never underestimate the time it takes to wrap said presents, otherwise you’ll be spending the entirety of Christmas eve wrestling with sellotape and ribbon when you could be singing Silent Night. Lucky...

The Marmite Effect

Friday 11th December 2009

Marmite. Love it, and you're likely to have a cupboard full of it, take it on holiday with you and keep a pot of it in your desk draw. Hate it, and we’re guessing you’ve excommunicated it from the house and curse every colleague that wafts their buttery marmite toast...

A Christmas Tipple

Wednesday 9th December 2009

When it comes to Christmas shopping, here at SL, little phases us. Tricky teenager? Easy. Eccentric great aunt? A walk in the park. Scouring the web on a daily basis for you, dear readers, means that come 1st December, almost all of our presents are wrapped, stockings filled and we’re already...

Astley Clarke Editor's Picks

Monday 7th December 2009

The jewellery boutique Astley Clarke has been a firm favourite of mine since it launched a few years ago. Created by a savvy businesswoman (Bec Clarke), it has gone from strength to strength and really is SheerLuxe at its best. I adore their handpicked selection of style led fine jewellery, making...

Post It

Friday 4th December 2009

In a century where we're more likely to use a keyboard over a pen, a mouse instead of a diary, and Blackberry messenger in place of good old snail mail, stationery is enjoying a renaissance. Because whilst highlighters and electronic pencil sharpeners hold little allure, one company is proving that stationery can...

Christmas Discount Codes

Wednesday 2nd December 2009

As you know, dear readers, here at SheerLuxe we love giving you discounts off your favourite brands. After all, who wants to pay full price? We always find that a 15% here or free P&P there softens the blow... You may have seen our extra special pages in the December issues of...

Exclusive: Paul and Joe for theOutnet

Tuesday 1st December 2009

If you’ve been too busy loading up on Christmas presents for girlfriends/aunts/the family dog and haven’t had a moment to start on your own wish list (because we believe you’re never too old...), now’s the time to start. Why? Because theOutnet has collaborated with super chic Parisian label Paul & Joe to...

WIN a Luxury Spa Break for You & 3 Friends!

Friday 27th November 2009

Don’t get us wrong, we love this time of year – Christmas lights, carollers, mulled wine and cosy knits are more than welcome. Shopping crowds, dark mornings and the general stress that accompany the festive season, on the other hand, are not. Want to escape? We’ve teamed up with luxury lifestyle boutique...

Cashmere-Shaped Affections

Friday 27th November 2009

A bold-shouldered jacket? Only for the most daring of fashion mavens, not the style wary. Booker prize winning novel? OK for bookworms. Le Creuset pans? Domestic goddess will love them, Can’t Cook Won’t Cooks might not. Finding the right gift for the right person is hard. But we know one gift...

Off the Cuff

Wednesday 25th November 2009

What do you buy for the man who has everything, including the statement watch? He might already be the proud owner of a Rolex/Patek/Breitling, but what he needs is a pair of ARMREVOLUTION cufflinks. Founder Anthony Hayward launched the brand after noticing a gap in the market for unique, well-designed cufflinks...

Christmas at Home

Monday 23rd November 2009

Home is where the heart is and chances are, you’ll spend even more time cosying up indoors away from the snow and rain this Christmas. So dig out that Christmas Carol CD, boil up some mulled wine and have a look at SheerLuxe’s Christmas at Home. Our guide to doing Christmas...

Tis the Season for a Party Dress

Friday 20th November 2009

The Christmas party season is almost upon us, and with it, weeks of staring at one’s wardrobe, hands on hips, wondering what on earth to wear. We’ve found party-dressing enlightenment in the form of Suzannah. One of her perfect party dresses is all you need to take you through the...

Blackberrys Anonymous

Wednesday 18th November 2009

Know a Blackberry addict? We know several – in fact, if you listen close enough, you’ll hear a symphony of identical BB ringtones from SheerLuxe HQ. There’s a reason they’re also known as Crackberrys, you know. And we say, why not embrace your love for your Blackberry? The first step to...

Lombok Picks

Monday 16th November 2009

Whether you’re curled up on the sofa in front of reality TV or hosting a dinner party for friends, chances are that, unless that restaurant/bar is really worth bracing the rain for, you'll be spending a lot more time at home. We're doing just that and making our homes seriously cosy....

Gorgeous Georg

Friday 13th November 2009

The organised amongst you might have started your Christmas shopping (inspired by our newly live Gift Guide), or possibly have it all done and dusted and are now leisurely feeding your Christmas cake with brandy. For the rest of us, it's time to start thinking about what to buy the in-laws/second...

Getting Personal

Wednesday 11th November 2009

The high-maintenance woman who has it all. We all know one. Perfect home? Check. To-die-for wardrobe? Check. Which is sickening enough, not to mention making gift giving an almost impossible task. Not for SheerLuxe – we’ve trailed the length and breadth of the web to find the perfect gift for...

Floral Fancies

Monday 9th November 2009

We love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but as much as those chic Parisian ladies can pull off the pared down look, we fear we’d get a little tired if all we saw when we opened our wardrobes in the morning were rows upon rows of white shirts and black...

Gift Library Picks

Friday 6th November 2009

Put down the bog standard gift vouchers, back away from the badly-packaged perfume gift set, and instead head to Gift-Library, the luxe gifting emporium for all those tricky present needs, created by in-the-know stylist Caroline Stanbury. There’s not a pair of socks in sight – OK, well there is, but they’re made...

Pure Collection 25% OFF

Monday 2nd November 2009

In the current climate, we know we’re not the only ones who love a discount. Even more so when it’s on our favourite premium brands. So if you were umming and aahing over that to-die-for cashmere cardigan and sumptuous snood, and the excuse ‘but it’s an investment piece’ wasn’t quite justifying the...

Ring a Ding Ding

Friday 30th October 2009

Diamonds are so 2008… costume jewellery is a recessionista's new best friend (especially when you've got an exclusive 20% discount to play with). That is, when the stones aren't falling out, and the gold turning an unbecoming shade of green the minute it comes into contact with water. No, we like...

A Crafty Idea

Wednesday 28th October 2009

A recession coupled with winter equals evenings in, and whilst we love nothing better than a bowl of noodle soup and a marathon of trash TV, the devil makes work for idle hands (aka ‘accidental’ online shopping sprees). Which is why we’ll be busying ours with our new favourite thing, Emily...

Toasty Toes

Monday 26th October 2009

We’re lusting after a pair of vertiginous over-the-knees but if we’re totally honest with ourselves, we know that the only boots in our wardrobes with an acceptable cost-per-wear this autumn/winter will be sheepskin and oh-so-snuggly. Last year’s pair are either looking a little worse-for-wear, or you still haven’t yet discovered the boons...

Art Attack

Friday 23rd October 2009

They say that your sitting room reflects the persona you want to portray to guests (a Monet here, a Renoir there), but we all know that the kitchen's where the heart/fun is... So reconsider that sun-bleached postcard and boring calendar and indulge instead, in a few well-chosen, light hearted prints courtesy...

Use Your Head

Wednesday 21st October 2009

When it comes to chic wedding outfits, it pays to use your head...literally. In times like these, when forking out on a new dress just isn’t an option, a natty little hat or fascinator is just the thing to update your look. But before you end up spending your dress fund...

Food Glorious Food

Monday 19th October 2009

Ever wished for a one-stop shop where you could fulfil all your grocery needs? Somewhere you could do your weekly food shop as well as stocking up on more unusual ingredients with which to wow your weekend supper guests? Your wishes have been granted in the form of foodies' heaven Natoora,...

Working Wardrobe

Wednesday 14th October 2009

These days, laptops and Blackberrys are not just gadgets – they are as important to us as, say, the family pet, whether we’re simply checking emails, doing a spot of shopping on the go, or browsing SheerLuxe. Is carrying your trusty MacBook or Vaio in a boring black nylon carry case...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

Monday 12th October 2009

As the husbands/other halves of us SheerLuxers will attest, we’re a lot more likely to experiment with new brands than they are. When it comes to clothing, the men in our lives would much rather stick to the shops they know and trust – Ralph Lauren, Crew Clothing, and Pink, namely. So...

Bridging the Gap

Friday 9th October 2009

If you thought bridge was the sole preserve of the more, ahem, seasoned among us, you’d be mistaken. New company Bridge in the Box are making bridge cool again, with their modern sets in zingy colours. Just be warned: you may have to fight Granny for the bridge table. Inside each...

The Coldest Wintour

Wednesday 7th October 2009

It’s not often you see a group of Choo-clad, sunglass-wearing fashionistas lining the foyer of your local cinema. But this was the scene on the opening night of The September Issue, a documentary which takes a behind-the-scenes, rarely seen before look at the inner workings of fashion bible American Vogue, and...

Waxing Lyrical...

Monday 5th October 2009

The ingredients for a totally chic home? Farrow and Ball Dimity on the walls, a sofa with feet, and a sumptuous Josephine Home cashmere throw. Something missing? The delicious scent of a premium candle. You’ll be pleased to know that an expensive-smelling home needn’t actually cost a fortune (which is probably...

WIN a £500 Shopping Spree!

Wednesday 30th September 2009

Once upon a time the only sartorial options for mothers-to-be were shapeless dungarees or a men’s t-shirt. Nowadays, thanks to seriously luxe boutique Blossom Mother & Child, there's no excuse not to be a yummy mummy. In their range for expectant mothers, there isn’t an unflattering all-in-one or a baggy shirt...

Inviting Invitations

Monday 28th September 2009

They say stationery is enjoying a renaissance... So if you were looking to restock your dwindling supplies, Honey Tree Publishing’s divine new online shop is the place to do it. It all started when co-creator Lizbeth began illustrating her own stationery to send to friends and family – a cosy picture of an...

Potty for Prints

Friday 25th September 2009

Dog lover you may or may not be, but we can all bring a touch of country chic to our homes with Emily Bond’s stylish canine-inspired designs. Inspired by her pet Dachshund, Emily launched her namesake company brimming with homewares from cushions to tea towels and even dog beds, all in...

Le Bon Idea

Wednesday 23rd September 2009

In a world where the girls gracing the front covers of our favourite magazines are stick thin, googly eyed and frankly wanting of a hearty meal or two, the comeback of the ‘supers’ (aka the supermodels of the 80s/90s with whom the nation was on first name terms) is a welcome...

Taking the Biscuit

Monday 21st September 2009

A beautiful bouquet is a no-brainer when it comes to gifting. But on those milestone birthdays, it does mean one's house runs the risk of resembling the Chelsea Flower Show which sadly isn't always practical. And of course, showing up at a hospital to visit a poorly friend with blooms in...

WIN a Chanel Classic Bag & a £1.5k Spree!

Friday 18th September 2009

Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? Good news: we’ve managed to bag ourselves THE ultimate timeless bag, the Chanel Classic. Black caviar leather, tick. Luxe gold hardware, tick. Oh-so-classic signature quilting, check. The bad news (for us, that is)? We’re going to give it...

What Rachel Did

Wednesday 16th September 2009

If we’ve heard someone say ‘I’m a jewellery designer’ once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. Everyone’s a jewellery designer these days, and if you’re not checking the SheerLuxe directory for guidance, it’s difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff. But the reason why hot new jewellery designer Rachel Leigh decided...

Blooming Gorgeous

Monday 14th September 2009

If like us you’re an avid Dragons Den fan, you'll know that a new business can be a runaway success or a spectacular flop... Sometimes though, a fledgling company is set for success from the very start, as with Bloom and Blossom, the gorgeous new premium skincare range. The folks at Bloom...

Smart Scrapbooking

Friday 11th September 2009

It's the end of summer and we've had weddings, parties, Cornish holidays and weekend jaunts. So what will you do with all of those photos stashed on your hard drive? (Because let's face it, you only really look at them when you print them off, which is a rare occurence.) We've...

WIN an Aspinal of London Barbarella Bag x3

Wednesday 9th September 2009

At this time of the year, a girl has a lot of decisions to make... For example, do you cancel on your friends to stay in and watch X Factor? Should you book a hair appointment to go a few shades darker in time for the colder months? And most importantly,...

An Affordable Helping of Hermès

Wednesday 2nd September 2009

If we had to pick our top three classic wardrobe pieces they would be as follows: a Chanel Classic bag, a Burberry trench and last but not least an Hermès scarf. Whilst we’re holding out for a lottery win (or a sizeable bonus - haha) for the first two, the third...

Light up the Sky

Friday 28th August 2009

The RSVPs have all been received, the marquee has been set up, and your outfit has been suitably agonised over – but your party/wedding is still missing that extra special something. When fireworks are just too much/too noisy/and far too much hassle (and besides, Catherine wheels are so passé), add magic...

What a Card

Monday 24th August 2009

We’ve all been there – you suddenly remember a friend’s birthday and end up running to your nearest card shop, only to be faced with a sea of uninspiring, indentikit and darn right boring greetings cards (you know the sort – flowers on yellow-tinged paper that’s seen better days for girls,...

20% OFF The Coolest Clutches in Town

Friday 21st August 2009

At SL we’ve been watching bag brand Wilbur & Gussie for a while now. You may have spotted their seriously cool clutches at Liberty, Fortnum’s, Austique, or one of the other chic boutiques that have fallen in love with their designs, but now, we're pleased to announce the launch of their...

Affordable Elegance

Wednesday 19th August 2009

If, like most of the SheerLuxe team, you’re moving house, or simply want to revamp your own, you’re probably a little shell-shocked at how much it’s all going to cost. You’ve already carried out the obligatory reccy of John Lewis, but it’s time to find a few pieces of extra special...

BCBG Max Azria: Exclusive Sneak Peek

Monday 17th August 2009

Let’s face it, we’d all love high end fashion at high street prices, but increasingly we’re finding our brows furrowed in horror at the wincingly large price tags on items from our favourite (and supposedly affordable) go-tos. And premature frown lines are definitely not in fashion. So when we come across a...

A Gap in the Market

Friday 14th August 2009

There are certain things a girl simply can’t live without. These include a strong cup of coffee in the morning, an industrial supply of blister plasters (because yes we know our favourite heels hurt like hell but they’re so pretty), and Gap, for those perfect, affordable basics we just can’t find...

A Bright Idea

Wednesday 12th August 2009

Apparently, it’s the thought that counts. But when you’ve pulled back the wrapping paper to reveal an overexposed celebrity scent, it’s hard to feign a smile. And if they’d put any thought into it, they’d know that you'd never actually want to smell like Britney Spears. Candles are so often grouped...

The Cold Shoulder

Tuesday 11th August 2009

Forget legs or décolletage...this season’s erogenous zone is the shoulder, which designers supersized, shaped into dramatic peaks, elongated to Frankenstein proportions, and topped off with a pair of serious shoulder pads. And no one’s more responsible for resurrecting the Alexis Carrington silhouette than label du jour (as coveted by every fashion...

Sweet Dreams

Wednesday 5th August 2009

Sometimes it feels the world is hell bent on keeping you awake: revellers leaving bars at 1 in the morning, ambulance sirens blaring at 3, birds tweeting at 5 (it’s not as cute as it was in Mary Poppins when it’s that early, is it?)... Add an uncomfortable bed to the...

Knit-a-Porter

Monday 3rd August 2009

Once the preserve of our grannies, it’s likely that the word ‘knitting’ conjures up traumatic memories of scratchy, shapeless jumpers that you were forced to wear as a child. Thanks to hot new brand Wool & the Gang, a Paris-based design collective, knitting is officially back in vogue. And if you needed...

Adorn Yourself

Friday 31st July 2009

Remember the reverence with which you lifted out a strand of pearls from your mother’s jewellery box when you were little? All too often, fine jewellery was something reserved solely for cocktail parties, and even then in measured amounts – a pair of diamond studs here, a cocktail ring there. Annoushka...

Plants by Post

Wednesday 29th July 2009

We'd been wondering how best to thank our hardworking hostesses this summer. So when Philippa Craddock submitted her picture-perfect site a couple of weeks ago, we knew we'd found a gift that would last, and endear us long until the next fabulous party. Her gorgeous signature white opal glass pots come...

Design Your Own Longchamp Bag

Monday 27th July 2009

We wish we’d invented the Longchamp Le Pliage. Now one of the most popular bags in the world, if we had a penny for every well-groomed woman we saw toting one on her forearm, we’d be rich enough to buy one in every colourway and every size. And for good reason...

Domestic Goddess 101

Friday 24th July 2009

A hostess’s work is never done. Remembering to marinade the chicken the night before (5 minutes does not a marinade make), concocting the perfect white sauce, and whipping up award-winning meringues... It’s tiring just thinking about it. With all that to prepare, it's easy to forget to lay the table accordingly....

Bejewelled in Bittar

Wednesday 22nd July 2009

We might be slap bang in the middle of summer (typically, looking at the British weather one might assume otherwise), but unless you’ve been in sunnier climes for the last couple of weeks, you'll have noticed that the new Autumn/Winter collections are already wielding their powers of temptation to make...

All Things Bright & Beautiful

Monday 20th July 2009

We won’t lie. We love a muted palette – cream walls, a whitewash chair here, a beech dresser there. Acid brights might be big in our Spring/Summer wardrobes, but put a neon orange armchair in front of us, and we’re likely to run a mile. Bright accents on the other hand,...

Safe & Stylish in the Sun

Wednesday 15th July 2009

Toddlers and the sun aren't exactly a match made in heaven. Try to reapply sunscreen / rely on kids club to reapply sunscreen (whilst you enjoy a good book and a bit of peace of quiet - as if) every hour of the day, and you’ve got a tantrum on your...

A Garden of One's Own

Monday 13th July 2009

After a long day, there’s nothing nicer than enjoying a large glass of wine in your own outdoor space in between admiring the rose bushes/vegetable patch (delete as appropriate). If you’re city-bound, however, chances are your outdoor space is less rolling hills and rose bushes and more tiny terrace, and...

Summer Sale Best Buys

Friday 10th July 2009

Sale season seems to get earlier and earlier each year. Not that we're complaining - it means we can fill our summer wardrobes with this season's collections and look season-savvy at a snip of the price. The most eagerly awaited sale? Net-a-Porter, obviously. And with the likes of DvF, Chloé, Stella McCartney...

a Piedi cure

Wednesday 8th July 2009

When the weather's warm, we like nothing more than modelling newly pedi'd feet in a pair of chic sandals. At a time when savvy shopping is more essential than ever, and considering that the British summer lasts all of five minutes, splashing our cash on a three hundred pound pair of...

Scratch & Sniff...

Friday 3rd July 2009

We’re suckers for the right packaging – we see it and we want it, whether it’s the cool branding of a an Innocent Smoothie, the cheeky retro boxes of our favourite Benefit buys, a Le Labo fragrance, or a Diptique candle. And let's face it, UK high streets just wouldn't be...

The Holy Grail of Dresses

Wednesday 1st July 2009

An array of the perfect capsule cocktail dresses are essential in every woman’s wardrobe, and once you've found one, you’ll wish you'd bought three - why do we never learn? Thankfully we’ve found the holy grail of cocktail dress designers in the form of Motasem, and its online boutique that has...

Hello, Sailor!

Wednesday 24th June 2009

The British summer is heartbreakingly fleeting, so forgive us if we want to make the most of it and bring a touch of nautical charm to our homes. Be it a cottage in Cornwall or a house in the Hamptons (if only), this summer, we'll be heading to newly launched Runaway...

Get One Before They Go...

Monday 22nd June 2009

It’s a well-known fact – the 21st century woman needs two bags. One for all those absolute essentials (yes, two pairs of sunglasses, 3 sets of keys, and multiple sachets of Splenda are essential) and one for the latest Hello and an extra pair of shoes – who knows when...

Munchtime

Friday 19th June 2009

It’s around 3 o’clock (ok and 10, 11 and 12) that our tummies begin to rumble. So, unless you want to find yourself wolfing down chocolate and spending all your pocket money on the vending machine for that afternoon sugar rush, our motto is: be prepared, and stock up on yummy,...

20% OFF Summer Brights

Wednesday 17th June 2009

Whilst we might not always opt for colourful prints on a day to day basis, there’s one place where it’s almost against the rules not to: the beach. There’s nothing like a bright stripe to set off a tan. That’s why we’re heading to Rosemary Twang to get our print...

Friday Cocktails

Friday 12th June 2009

It’s Friday... So what could be a more perfect way to kick-start the weekend than with a mouth-watering cocktail? Cosmos, Mojitos, Bellinis... We're not fussy, as long as it’s served up to us in record time – we’ve worked hard all week and frankly who can be bothered fiddling about with...

Beach Cafe Launches, 15% OFF

Wednesday 10th June 2009

Let’s face it, when it’s boiling hot outside the last place you want to be is in a sticky changing room with unflattering lighting, changing from bikini to swimsuit to bikini, and feeling rather annoyed with both your cellulite and the fact the shop hasn’t bothered investing in air conditioning. Do...

Exclusive 20% OFF for SheerLuxe Readers

Monday 8th June 2009

Don’t believe everything you read... Unless you’re reading it here of course, because here at SheerLuxe we only ever feature what we truly love, and know you’ll love too. So when we say we’re absolutely mad about REN and their scrumptious, skin-friendly treats, in particular the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask,...

Make a Splash with Orlebar Brown

Friday 5th June 2009

On Monday we brought you Club BB - to kit us ladies out in the chicest beachwear - so that's swimwear sorted, but we all know it's the accessories that can make or break and ensemble. You may be wearing this season's must-have Heidi Klein bikini and a pair of to-die-for bejewelled...

Missoma Sale at BrandAlley

Wednesday 3rd June 2009

Just when you thought/hoped you’d read the ‘R’ word for the last time this decade, the experts (don’t you just hate them?) announced that this isn’t the end of the recession, and that we shouldn't start flashing the cash just yet. Didn’t think we’d give up our shopping habit that easily,...

club bb Launches! From the Creators of heidi klein...

Monday 1st June 2009

Scratchy polyester, ill-fitting knitwear and scary crowds... We know we’re not the only ones tired of pile ‘em high shops. 2009 is the year of the smart shopper – we want well-made, designer goods at a snip of the price. It seems the fashion gods have answered our prayers, with the...

Win a Week in Paradise!

Friday 22nd May 2009

We're being promised a heatwave this Summer, but let's face it, the only predictable thing about the British weather is its unpredictability. If you want guaranteed sunshine, we’ve got a treat for you. So how about a week-long holiday for two at the seriously luxe Reads Hotel in Mallorca? With just 23...

Buy Cake, Eat Cake...

Wednesday 20th May 2009

We always start the week with good intentions. On Monday we’re demurely tucking into our superfood salads and sipping delicately on watercress soup. By Tuesday we’ve succumbed to carbs, but we’re willing to compromise with a slice of rye bread. It’s Wednesday and there’s no room for denial – we know...

3 Nail Colours for £12

Monday 18th May 2009

We think it’s ok to be fickle when it comes to the shade of your talons, and here at SheerLuxe HQ we’ve had many a lacquer love affair. Last summer we wined and dined Revlon’s One Perfect Coral, in the colder months we snuggled up to Chanel’s Rouge Noir, and lately...

Alfresco Dining

Friday 15th May 2009

Stock up on Citronella candles because parties are going alfresco, whether you’re preparing a car park picnic for Ascot, hosting a garden party or simply dining outside with the family. You might have loaded up on tons of smoked salmon, prepared the fillet steak and given the strictest orders to...

Matthew Williamson E-Boutique Launches!

Wednesday 13th May 2009

Put your Little Black Dress into hibernation because the only accompaniment to a summer tan (whether it’s helped along by St. Tropez the bottle or St. Tropez the destination) should be colour, colour and more colour. And no one does colour better than Mr. Matthew Williamson, everyone’s favourite designer and the...

Beach Body Perfect

Monday 11th May 2009

Whether you’re planning on jetting off for a weekend of partying in Ibiza or posing by the sea in Mustique, the sun’s out and the pressure’s on to get the perfect bikini bod. So put down the chocolate bar, step away from the biscuit tin, and start making the most of...

Pashminas & Pearls...

Friday 8th May 2009

Hold onto your hats (or fascinators) because wedding season is upon us, and you’re going to need as many hats, pashminas and glasses of champagne as possible. Whilst investing in several new dresses to see you through the summer may be eye-wateringly expensive, at least when it comes to wedding guest jewellery,...

Celebrity Jean-ius

Friday 1st May 2009

Gwyneth Paltrow’s willowy frame, Helen Mirren's svelte bikini body, Angelina's bee-stung pout and Rachel Bilson’s glossy mane... Whilst we may yearn aimlessly for the genes of the beautiful folks in celebland, we can still steal their jeans, thanks to luxury denim boutique, Donna Ida. Whether you were planning on...

Rings on her Fingers, Bells on her Toes...

Monday 27th April 2009

If you're a weather stalker then you’ll know that the glorious sunshine we've had over the last week is set to be replaced by rain, rain and more rain. So, if you’d scheduled a pedi in the hope that your tootsies (and those new, boxed Grecian sandals) would see the light...

Sheer Weddings...

Friday 24th April 2009

Calling all brides to be.... We know how much you love our wedding section, which is why we’ve been searching high and low to bring you the very best for your big day. As well as the best wedding shoes, bridal accessories and stationery, SheerLuxe Weddings now includes wedding dress designers...

Hampers to DIY For...

Wednesday 22nd April 2009

At first sight a ready-made gift box seems like the perfect present – no fuss, no stress, and no traipsing around a crowded department store... until you discover a naff chocolate bar and body lotion that smells like Great Aunt Gladys. At Happy Box London there isn't a cheap candle...

A Mac Made in Heaven

Monday 20th April 2009

If we said you could get your hands on an Aquascutum trench for £195 you’d probably assume it was plucked from a sample sale, missing a belt, or had fallen off the back of a van. You'd be wrong... Make way for Aquascutum’s AquaMac, the fashion house’s natty new foldaway trench (the...

Oliver's Twist

Friday 17th April 2009

There’s nothing we like more than a naked chef – and we don’t mean your other half at the BBQ (bare skin next to spitting sausages is just asking for trouble), but the one and only Jamie Oliver. Whilst Heston Blumenthal’s smoked bacon and egg ice cream might be, ahem, interesting...

It’s Chic-onomics; theOutnet.com is live!

Thursday 16th April 2009

If you were thinking that a LuxeMail at 9.30am on a Thursday was a little out of character then you’d wouldn’t be wrong. When our editor woke up to an email at 7am saying that theOutnet.com was live, we just had to be the first to tell you. If the success of...

All Aboard the Hairbandwagon

Wednesday 15th April 2009

The last time you wore a hairband it was velvet, it was the eighties and it was accompanied by frosted pink lipstick and larger-than-life shoulder pads. If you follow fashion then you'll know that now's the time to whip it out again (ok maybe not that exact one) and prepare...

Love Your Wardrobe

Wednesday 8th April 2009

The warmer weather has seen the girls at SheerLuxe HQ swap their Uggs for their French Soles and their winter woolies for cotton cover-ups. It’s nearly that time – time to dig out the silks (or invest in some new ones) and put your beloved cashmere into storage. But we don’t...

Win the new Jo Malone Collection

Friday 3rd April 2009

When it comes to gifting, it’s what's on the inside that counts – or at least that’s what they say. We think the packaging is all important – brown paper parcels are nice, but boxes in Tiffany turquoise, Hermes orange, or, our favourite, cream ones with chic black edging and those...

The New Playground Craze

Monday 30th March 2009

Rumour has it that there’s a new craze on the playground scene. The good news for grown-ups is that it’s not aneurism-inducingly expensive or likely to be banned by their teachers for causing injuries (remember those wrist bracelets?). Instead, it’s something for little girls who really are sugar and spice and...

We Believe In Angels...

Friday 27th March 2009

Rain, rain, go away. If not least to avoid spoiling a perfectly good bag by stuffing it with a wet umbrella. We yearn for balmy summer days, breezy dresses, sandals, and neat little bags that can be generally far more impractical than our long-suffering winter totes. You can imagine...

That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles

Wednesday 25th March 2009

So you did the honourable thing and decided to deprive yourself of chocolate for Lent. You haven’t quite made it to 40 days and 40 nights (it’s only been 30 but you probably already know that – you’re counting down the days and hours), but you’re starting to crack and if,...

Cool Cover-Ups...

Monday 23rd March 2009

The recent sunnier weather has had us all a little over-excited, dreaming of heady summer evenings, bare legs and glasses of Rosé. Whilst it’s not quite time to whip out the sundresses and sandals just yet, we’re already making plans to swap our trusty cashmere for cotton as a cosy but...

Stay In With Style

Wednesday 18th March 2009

It’s Design Week, which means that Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen lookalikes swarm home design centres nationwide, stroking very expensive fabrics and exclaiming loudly. Whilst you may not share Laurence’s penchant for leopard print sofas which cost the earth, it doesn’t mean you can’t fill your abode with gorgeous accessories. And your home shopping...

Dance Your Way Into Spring...

Friday 13th March 2009

It’s nearly that time of the year again – time to put your trusty riding boots and worn-to-death Uggs into hibernation (if, like us, you’re taking the official start of Spring at face value and are determined to swap your scarf for sunglasses). Whilst even the most hopeful of sun...

Time in the Tub

Wednesday 11th March 2009

There’s no rest for the busy mother – whether she’s balancing a demanding career with the school run, cooking up a storm for a screaming brood, or simply offering words of wisdom (why is it that mothers are so sage?). But she’ll have no excuse come Mother’s Day, especially when...

You Say Tom-ay-to, I Say Tom-ar-to...

Monday 9th March 2009

Whether you say 'tom-ay-to', or 'tom-ar-to', you’re bound to love what Big Tomato Company has to offer. It all started with that iconic squirty tomato, and ended up with a wordy collection of kitchen and home accessories that look just as fitting in a country abode as in a modern flat....

Quietly Cool...

Friday 6th March 2009

2009 is the year of understated chic. The IT bag has had its day, and we’re opting for logoless elegance. If there ever was a bag gorgeous enough to tear the label enthusiast from her Chloé Paddington, it was one by Meli Melo. In unoffending neutrals and striking (but lacking the alarming...

Style Files...

Wednesday 4th March 2009

If you’ve always thought that getting organised had rather unglamorous connotations, then think again. The words ‘storage’ and ‘filing system’ need no longer smack of dull desk tidies, unsightly plastic letter trays and dreary box files. Luckily, designers Harris & Jones understand that practicality and prettiness need not be mutually...

Spring/Summer 09 Trend Report

Monday 2nd March 2009

It’s not time to put your cashmere into storage just yet, but promises of warmer weather are enough of a temptation to start working on our Spring/Summer wardrobes now. In times like these, it’s important to shop wisely (now isn’t the time for stuffing unworn purchases under the bed), so...

25% OFF Mega Weekend

Friday 27th February 2009

If the recent warmer temperatures have had you longing for Spring, Laura Ashley’s new collections, bursting with fabulous florals, ready-for-the-races blazers and bewitching blouses, are sure to make you even more impatient for the first sight of sun. Especially when you see the new styles modelled on gorgeous girl-about-town, model and actress,...

Tote-ally Anya

Wednesday 25th February 2009

An Anya Hindmarch bag that doesn't break the bank... Sound familiar? But this time, you don’t have to subject yourself to a 6am trip to the supermarket and a queue around the block. For the new season, Ms. Hindmarch has created a fabulous new tote inspired by the linear graphic lines...

Trendy Tots...

Monday 23rd February 2009

You’ve probably started assessing your purchases for Spring – you need that new season bag, you might indulge in some Spring denim, and you can’t possibly justify spending that much cash on those leopard-print harem pants (so impractical but achingly on trend), but you’re certainly going to try. But don’t forget...

The Blini's Back

Friday 20th February 2009

The blini is back. 2009 is the year for fuss-free, do-it-yourself dining, and this bite-sized morsel is the perfect way to add a little glamour to staying in with friends. The blini’s best friend? A melt-in-the-mouth, tastebud-tantalising pâté. When slaving away in the kitchen just isn’t an option (slipping into that...

Effortless Style...

Wednesday 18th February 2009

Isabella Oliver's maternity main line is so lustworthy it’s almost enough to send us running to the pantry cupboard, in the hope of expanding our waistlines to fit those to-die-for Grecian jersey dresses. Almost. Luckily there’s no need for such extreme measures – the wait is finally over and Isabella Oliver’s...

A Sticky Subject

Monday 16th February 2009

A nightmare scenario: walking into your sitting room only to find that your darling little tot has composed a crazy work of art on your perfectly white walls. (If this was a Jackson Pollock, it would be a different story, but this isn’t the Tate Modern, and you’re fuming.) The...

Cashmere 37

Friday 13th February 2009

Whilst we might be dreaming of summer dresses and bare legs (inspired by SL's Trend Report of course), the reality is that we're covering up every inch of skin we possibly can – let’s put it this way, if it was socially acceptable to wear balaclavas, we would. Given that it’s...

Get a Room...

Wednesday 11th February 2009

It’s Wednesday, Valentine’s Day is less than 72 hours away, and you’re totally unprepared. Let’s face it, you have no valid excuses for forgetting (you had our Valentine’s gift guide to help you), but before you resort to spending Friday night grabbing a bunch of sorry-looking carnations and a tacky card...

Brownie Point Potential...

Monday 9th February 2009

It seems like Christmas was only yesterday and already Valentine’s Day is here to torment us. Needless to say help is at hand to ensure the opposite sex (and yes he deserves some appreciation too) gets it right on February 14th because frankly, it’s just not worth getting it wrong. Our...

It's All Going Swimmingly...

Friday 6th February 2009

Instead of zipping up in thermal-lined all-in-ones, we’re warming ourselves up in a more imaginative way this February: last-minute flights to tropical destinations and plenty of piña coladas. If you’re planning your own great escape, all you need is a spray tan and some fabulous swimwear (oh and a fabulous destination...

Let the Games Begin...

Wednesday 4th February 2009

You'd think Valentine's Day might be the one day of the year the two sexes would stop playing games and just get along...as if. But if you insist on playing games, make sure the only one you play is on a new, bespoke Monopoly board, aka My Monopoly. Not a conventional...

By Candlelight...

Tuesday 3rd February 2009

If you’re holing up under your duvet with a stack of DVDs as opposed to venturing out into the bitter cold, you’re not alone. But before you enter slob territory, swap those old PJs for some cashmere loungewear and make your hibernation space even cosier with an array of sweet smelling...

Borrow, Party, Return

Friday 30th January 2009

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a very important social engagement on the agenda, with very important people, and you simply must be wearing a very important dress. But V.I.Ds are all too often hideously expensive (and no, substituting rent simply isn’t an option). Besides, you’ll only be wearing it once or...

In The Know...

Wednesday 28th January 2009

Google ‘Gifts’ and you’re faced with all manner of present ideas, from the dull (photo frames) to the cheesy (cuddly toys a la The Generation Game) and even the downright bizarre (radio pens... say no more). In the midst of identikit gift sites that promise the world and deliver presents that...

Season & Spice

Wednesday 21st January 2009

Every so often, the Nigella in us takes over, and we find ourselves wandering aimlessly around our local food market, with a delicious looking recipe ripped out of a magazine. One glance at the obscure ingredients (what the Dickens is Cassia?!) is enough to send you running to the ready meal...

Win a Pair of Missoma Hot Rox Earrings!

Monday 19th January 2009

Diamonds, fillet steaks, family holiday homes, statement jewellery... some things are better bigger. And where better to stock up on the coolest statement jewels than brand of the moment, Missoma. We love their bold, avant-garde and colourful designs. And with 50% OFF in their January sale, there's simply no better...

A Work of Bart

Friday 16th January 2009

You might be recycling your skiwear from last year, but before you get all Oliver Twist on the slopes (OK, so the Pucci jacket isn’t exactly threadbare, but...), inject a bit of glam with some super stylish ski accessories from Barts. Ironically, we have the sun-worshippers of St. Tropez in the...

Fast Food...

Wednesday 14th January 2009

So everyone keeps banging on about the 'R' word. Money saving experts are ordering us to recycle and reuse, lock up our purses, and, perhaps the most devastating cut-back of all, stop eating out. It’s all too easy to praise the virtues of eating in, but who has the time to prepare...

Celeb Style...

Monday 12th January 2009

Fabulous parties, haute couture and a free pass to act as bizarrely as they want (Kate Winslet's Golden Globe speech... say no more). Do celebrities really have it all? Talentless clothes horses aside, celebland seems to be proving us wrong. From actress Sienna Miller to model Mila Jovovich and...

That's a Wrap...

Wednesday 7th January 2009

The working woman/busy mum is an overlooked superhero – it’s not easy having to balance a baby (or two) on your hip/head a board meeting, cook a gourmet meal for the whole herd (made all the more maddening by those fussy eaters – Harry likes French fries, Thomas prefers potato wedges),...

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