What is Give Up Clothes For Good?

Give Up Clothes For Good is a campaign which is being run from 1st April to 30th April by TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK, with the aim of raising vital funds for research into children’s cancer. The campaign is being supported by celebrities including Alexander Burke, Melanie C, Kelly Brook, the Made in Chelsea cast to name just a few.

How Can I Help?

We all have clothes, shoes, bags and accessories in our wardrobes we no longer wear, right? Books, CDs, DVDs we no longer need or homeware that needs a new home? TK Maxx is asking everyone to clear out their closets and take along unwanted quality items to their stores between 1 – 30 April. All your donated goods will be sold in a Cancer Research UK shop and you will have helped to raise funds for research into children’s cancer. It’s that easy and every single donated item will make a difference. In fact, you can even see how much your clothes are worth: How Much Are My Clothes Worth?

Where Can I Find Out More?

You can find out all you need to know on the TK Maxx website: Give Up Clothes For Good

Please, please take 30 minutes or so to clear out your closets and support this fabulous charity!

Creating An Elegant Country Wedding Theme

An abundance of flowers and foliage in a romantic, country setting creates a beautiful and elegant country wedding theme:

• A natural location or venue with tress and greenery
• Tables dressed with dramatic candelabra centerpieces of unstructured foliage and cream roses
• Bridal bouquet of cream roses in draping rich green foliage
• Simple cream garden chairs
• Rustic signs
• Chic home-made elements, such as jars topped with a posy of flowers
• Classic cake topped with cream roses and green foliage with moss green ribbons
• Beautiful cream wedding shoes
• Bridesmaids gowns in soft green
• Floral wedding hair accessories or side tiaras

Side tiara by Glitzy Secrets:
Rose of Eternity Side Tiara
Imagery lower left copyright of Carla Thomas Photopgraphy and Styling by Alex Peploe at Postscript Events.

1950s Nostalgia

A 1950s wedding theme demands classic glamour. Take inspiration from old movies, books and icons from this fabulous decade.

• A full skirted wedding gown with cinched in waist
• A bold side tiara inspired by vintage wedding hair accessories worn by Silver Screen Starlets
• 1950s movie star make-up – dramatic eyes, lashes and a red pout
• A classic car
• A vintage cake topper for retro style

A Bold Wedding Colour Scheme: Red Alert

A dramatic red wedding colour scheme can be striking. Choosing subtle and clever ways to incorporate your strongest colour is the key to achieving chic style. Think flashes to complement but never overpower.

• A pair of red killer heels for peeks of colour as you glide down the aisle
• A red clutch bag to store your essentials in style
• Perfect your pout with red lippy
• Dress your cake or buffet table with red flowers or rich red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and cherries
• Mulled wine for a winter wedding & cranberry cocktails for a summer wedding
• Oversized red bows around your chair covers

Wedding jewellery and side tiara by Glitzy Secrets:
Rose of Eternity Side Tiara
Vine of Beauty Bangle
Hollywood Starlet Clip On Earrings

Imagery top left, top right and centre copyright of Carla Thomas Photopgraphy. Styling by Alex Peploe at Postscript Events.

Wedding Hair Accessories for The Chignon

From a bejewelled hair comb set in a low side chignon, delicate hair pins scattered throughout the hair for subtle shimmer to a dramatic side tiara set in a 1940s style ‘do, this beautiful style lends itself to practically all types of wedding hair accessories. However, the key consideration is choosing a headpiece to emphasise and complement your bridal style. A romantic hair flower adorning a loose, wavy centre-parted Chignon is perfect for a relaxed Bohemian vibe and rustic country themed weddings. A bold headpiece worn at the side of the head in a Chignon styled in Marcel waves will accentuate the drama of the 1920s and Fabulous Flapper style. For classic 1940s movie star style, a sparkling brooch-style hair clip set in a wavy side chignon nods towards the glamour of the Hollywood greats. Finer hair types opting for a loosely set chignon should remember to avoid heavier accessories which add unnecessary pull on the hair.

Three Top Tips for the Perfect Chignon

• Have fine hair? Speak to your hairstylist about adding a few hair pieces to add thickness to your hair.
• The Chignon requires lots of pins or grips. Make sure they remain discreet by choosing a colour close to your natural hair colour.
• If you have straight hair and are opting for a wavy Chignon, ask your stylist to recommend the best hairspray to keep your waves looking fabulous throughout the wedding day.

Getting to know you…

Tell us a little about what your job entails?
As a freelance Hair and Makeup Artist, represented by Nemesis Agency, my job is exciting and varied; everyday is different. I travel all over the country to work on advertising shoots, celebrity shoots for your favourite weekly mags, monthly glossies and stage shows and I also work with ‘real’ people for magazines and newspapers. Although my schedule limits the number of weddings I am able to work on, I also specialize in bridal hair and make-up.  I am very lucky to love my job and the buzz it brings. I realized recently that all my friend know a lot about my job, as they’re always interested in who, when & where I have been doing my hair and makeup yet, but I know little about their professional careers. Most people don’t like to talk business outside working hours so I feel privileged to have a job I feel so passionate about.

What led you to pursue a career in hair styling / make up?
My interest in hair, make-up, fashion and colour began when I inherited my mum’s Avon kit! As a creative child, I was encouraged by my equally creative mother. I was always drawing and painting so when my mum became an Avon lady, it was, to me, a natural progression and extension of my art. From then on, anyone that would sit still for me, particularly my patient sisters, would have a French pleat or braids and some very bright 80’s makeup.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I liken my inspiration to an itch! Recently, with Marcel Waves trending highly again, I had dreams about shooting this fabulous 1920s hairstyle and just had to organize a creative shoot with a Photographer friend. With fashion and looks change and evolve continually, I have to keep up to date. Movies, catwalk trends and good solid fashion magazines are fabulous sources, with Art Directors, Photographers and Stylist’s referencing these continually on shoots. Last season, I wouldn’t have got far without knowing about the use of ‘jewel colours’ or the DVF coral lip from the season before!

What would you say is your signature style?
With most brands, I have to say the 85% of the hair and makeup I do is pretty and soft, aimed at a feminine, commercial market. However my creative side is reflected in my quirkier work, which can also be seen in sections of my main portfolio, and it’s this that shows clients and brands my unique, diverse style. For me, my style is about enhancing and highlighting natural features of the face; colour clashing a blue eye with a brown shadow, contouring and playing with matts and sheens.  I believe make-up and hair should enhance your natural beauty, rather than correct or transform you into someone unrecognizable.

Looking at your work…

Where can we see your work?
In magazines from Grazia and Cosmopolitan to Heat and Hello, red carpet events such as The National TV Awards and The Soap Awards to leading brands from Bourjois and Hugo Boss to Wella and Volkswagen. TV includes Hollyoaks and Coronation Street and I worked with many celebrities from Michelle Keegan and Sammy Winward to Rio Ferdinand and Louie Spence!

What is your biggest achievement?
My personal highlight so far has to be working with Bjork for her x7 Biophillia album concerts, early this year. For years, I have admired her creativity and loved her music. As a Hair and Makeup Artist, I am asked two questions regularly. Number 1: Will you come live with me? And, Number 2: Who is the celeb you would most like to make up. Let’s just say my dream came true!

If you could work with absolutely anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
I have a ‘thing’ for red heads and, at the moment, I would like to do Florence and The Machine. As a boy of the 80/90’s, I always thought that Sarah Ferguson was beautiful when she was styled; I always remember a Vogue editorial that took my breath away as a kid, so if I had a time
machine, it would be her, and an early Madonna.

An insider’s look…

What would you say is the important factor when choosing your wedding hair style?
I believe, on your wedding day, you should look like a very polished version of the ‘normal’ you. It’s definitely not a time to experiment with fads and styles! If you’ve never worn a Burlesque inspired look, then your wedding day probably isn’t the best time to start. I personally adore a polished look with vintage twist. Look to the Hollywood greats, such Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, for inspiration as their style is timeless and will never date. And hair worn in a half up and half down style is a great ‘do to soften the face and add glamour from height and movement.

What are next year’s hair and make-up trends?
We’ll see lots of soft beach hair with movement, curls pulled through but height also. The focus on textures will continue too, with braids, plaits and twists. Bridal styles often mirror the red carpet, with celebrities such as Eva Langoria, Cheryl Cole, Eva Mendes, Adele and Kate Winslet key influencers.

What is the best advice you would give to a bride to be and a fashion follower?
For a fashion follower wanting a guide on how to achieve a particular style for a night out, YouTube can show you how to recreate commercial looks very easily. For a bride, find yourself a hair stylist who can do ‘hair styling’ very well. Ask to look at their portfolio as many of hairdressers don’t specialize in styling or hair up, and ask recently married brides for recommendations. It’s always valuable to collect pictures of styles you like, types of curls you prefer etc. As an example, there are so many ways to curl hair, from a tight ghd, tongs or height forming heated rollers, that it helps to have clear picture to refer to and saves time too.

Find out more about Richard Harvey:
Website: www.richmakeup.co.uk
Facebook: Richard Harvey
Twitter: @ritchiemakeup

Richard Harvey’s work can be seen throughout our website. We think you’ll agree his talents show off our costume jewellery and hair accessories beautifully!

Wedding Hair Accessories for The Bun

The simple style of the bun gives great scope for dressing with wedding hair accessories, whether to enhance its understated graceful charm or contrast by adorning with elaborate headpieces. For subtle embellishment, crystal bridal hair pins randomly set in the actual bun captivate with delicate shimmer or dress with a simple pearl headband for chic ballerina style. For a more dramatic look, a bejewelled wedding hair clip off-set to the side of the bun embraces vintage glamour for a hint of 1940s Starlet style or a bridal headpiece placed at the back of the head below a low bun and above a high bun emphasizes the elegance of the hairstyle to perfection. Brides who adore traditional wedding tiaras, should consider placement depending upon the height of their bun. A high bun works well with the tiara placed just in front of the bun itself whereas a low bun balances beautifully with the tiara worn towards the front of the head.

Three Top Tips for the Perfect Bun

• Keep a few spare Kirby grips to hand so you can tuck in any strands which fall loose during the day without disturbing the rest of the bun.
• Fine hair types can easily achieve an oversized high bun with a doughnut shaped bun ring.
• Can’t find the perfect wedding hair accessory to wrap around your bun? Try a pearl necklace and place a crystal and pearl hair clip at the centre to hide where the necklace clasp meets.

The French Pleat

Timeless and classic, the French pleat is the perfect hairstyle for brides who adore elegant and graceful style. Tightly styled into a fold at the back of the head, this chic up-do should require minimal maintenance throughout the wedding day, meaning the bride can rest assured her bridal hairstyle will look fabulous from the moment she steps into her wedding gown to when she steps out of it. While an obvious favourite of brides who prefer to wear their hair up and away from the face, by opting for Bardot-esque height at the crown and loose tendrils around the face, brides concerned the French pleat is too structured or severe can achieve a softer, romantic feel.

Wedding Hair Accessories for the French Pleat

Typically, hair pins are the wedding hair accessory of choice for a French pleat. Used to secure and dress, pretty crystal or pearl hair pins scattered throughout or along the fold of the pleat emphasize its classic, understated style. However, with bold wedding hair accessories a key bridal trend for 2012, brides who adore vintage glamour shouldn’t be afraid to put the hair pins aside and opt for a bold headpiece to dress their pleat. Accentuate the hair style structure with striking adornment by placing a bejewelled hair comb in the fold, pin a crystal encrusted bridal headpiece at the side of the head to create contemporary asymmetric detailing or, embrace 1940s Hollywood glamour, with a statement side tiara set on a sparkling crystal band to reflect light and delicately shimmer with each movement. For the bride whose wedding day wouldn’t be complete without a traditional tiara, inspiration can be taken from the infamous Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) by securing their wedding hair accessory towards the crown.

Three Top Tips for the Perfect French Pleat

• Ask your maid of honour to keep a can of trial or travel size hairspray in her bag so you can spritz any stray hairs into place
• Keep unsightly pins off the menu & ask your stylist to use Kirby grips in a similar shade to your hair colour
• Have fine hair? Ask your stylist about clipping in some hair pieces to give your French pleat height & body

Vintage Glamour

Stunning bride, Gillian, embraced classic Hollywood glamour and adorned her low side chignon with Glitzy Secrets Vintage Dream Hair Comb. Speaking to Wedding Ideas, Gillian said “I knew I wanted to show off the lovely detail at the back of my dress, so I chose to wear my hair swept into a side bun, which I accessorised with a stunning vintage hair comb from glitzysecrets.com.”

Chic and Simple

Effortlessly stylish bride, Krista, is the perfect example of less is more! Dressing her hair with Posies of Pearls Head Band and incorporating a touch of sparkle with Enchanting Beauty Bangle, Krista told Wedding Ideas, “My day-to-day style is quite classic, and I don’t wear much jewellery, so I didn’t want my wedding to be any different.”

You’ve no doubt seen our jewels gracing the pages of the glossies or on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing but recently our sparkles took to the catwalk for the Ideal Home Show at Christmas. In a Highend vs Highstreet Catwalk Show with Tanesha Westcarr, our costume jewellery bejewelled the models as the audience guessed which look was a ‘splurge’ and which was a ‘save’.

Tanesha is a Director of leading styling service Styling Says, which is dedicated to working with you to improve your style, whether for a glitzy black tie event or every day at the office. Taking the role of Catwalk Presenter, Tanesha gave the audience insight into the key looks which included Jewel Tones, Metallics and 70s. As each models duo took to the runway for a High End vs High Street battle of the best, it became clear how easy it is to look fabulous regardless of budget.

Costume Jewellery on the Catwalk

For those of you who didn’t attend the fashion show, we thought we’d share a few of the looks which graced the catwalk.

• Our glamorous vintage inspired Forties Darling Earrings enhanced the metallic gem detailing on a blush pink strapless dress (below, left).
• A simple ivory shift dress was accessorized with our jewel-dropping iridescent Cascades of Crystal Earrings and sparkling  Petals of Beauty Bangle (below, centre)
• With decadent jewel tones a key trend, a dramatic scarlet gown was adorned with our luxurious gold tone Treasured Beauty Bangle (below, right)

Who says advent calendar’s are for children? Not us! Glitzy Secrets Advent Calendar is full of sparkle for the modern starlet. Featuring daily prizes, all you need to do is check back daily to find out how you could be the lucky winner of each beautiful ‘piece’ of costume jewellery.

How You Could Be One Of Our Lucky Winners

Perfect to add a touch of glamour to your Christmas, simply click on each day to find what you need to do and where you need to go to win the featured item – it really is that easy. From festive questions on our Facebook page and Twitter to seasonal mini-competitions on Flickr, our advent calendar is fun, full of sparkle and certain to get you in the Christmas spirit.

With prizes including jewel-dropping earrings and bejewelled cuffs to sparkling headpieces and gift vouchers, don’t forget to use the Share buttons below to let your friends in on this very glitzy secret and spread a little Christmas sparkle!