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Natalie Robinson, Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Founder of Style Icon.

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February 28, 2017

The Lifestyle Collective: How To Seduce Him With ‘A French Kiss’?

In the fast-paced world of fashion, contemporary fashion brands are becoming more directional and perhaps a little too trend-focused. Occasion wear specialists Goddiva, of whom I have been an avid fan for some time, take us back to basics with their traditional designs that are suitable for those who appreciate style with understated sex appeal. Their latest collaboration with Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt pays homage to the sensuality of glamorous fashion in its simplest form. Halter-neck styles and thigh-high slits provide a dose of classic trends with a quirky twist reflected in the name of the collection ‘French Kiss.’ The colour palette showcases hues of pastel blue, pink, and nude not to mention a striking animal print for those who like to ‘live on the wild side.’ As I own a few Goddiva dresses myself, I find they are ideal for any special occasion. I tend to pay particular attention to the finish of a garment and fabric composition hence why I frequent Goddiva’s online store. Their dresses are comfortable and of good quality at such affordable prices overall. Luckily, Stephanie’s 40-piece SS17 collection is due for release on 1st March 2017. The countdown will soon begin until you seduce your man with the ultimate ‘French Kiss.’

Stephanie Pratt in Goddiva

I had a brief chat with Stephanie during the evening. She looked stunning in a nude, floor-length gown which I anticipate will be a red carpet hit (from a stylist’s point of view). I asked Stephanie what she wanted to achieve from her collaboration with Goddiva to which she replied: “I had complete control over the creative direction.” I learned that Stephanie’s educational background is in design, and her growing interest in fashion stemmed from Parisian style and culture having spent a considerable amount of time in the City of Paris. Subsequently, this influenced her creative vision for Goddiva’s SS17 range which has a fresh, youthful look about it. To that end, the synergy between Stephanie Pratt and Goddiva is transparent through their creative partnership bringing together the brand’s ethos of catering for “fashion conscious and savvy individuals with a level of class and sophistication” and women like Stephanie Pratt with an “aspirational lifestyle.”

Stephanie Pratt x Goddiva – ‘French Kiss’ SS17 Range

Stephanie Pratt & Style Icon Nat

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images by Stephen Coke – Rex Features | The French Kiss Collection, exclusively to buy at www.goddiva.co.uk

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February 23, 2017

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How To Own Your Glow During London Fashion Week?

Have you ever wondered how to ‘own it’? The skin we live in that is. Glowing skin says a lot about our beauty regime combined with the skincare products we use. If our diet is not perfect, then one other solution to achieve radiant skin is to invest in beauty products enriched with sufficient goodness to enhance our inner glow. Life is too short for constant dull moments hence why I was thrilled to attend a press breakfast in Selfridges to celebrate the new C+ Collagen line by Dr.Dennis Gross, launching exclusively at Selfridges. In this day and age, there is no rest for the wicked. However, we still need to find time for a little self-pampering to look and feel good. Furthermore, what better way to preen ourselves than with affordable, cutting-edge beauty products like Dr.Dennis Gross’s four-piece product line. Such products, as I discovered at the launch, are paving the way for new technologies, within the beauty industry, which is conveniently high-performing for at-home use. According to Melissa McGinnis, Beauty Buying Manager, Selfridges “The Exclusive C+ Collagen Line is a fantastic addition to our beauty workshop. As the concept of ‘The Peel’ continues to gain momentum, we are pleased we can offer Dr.Dennis Gross’s expert approach with these excellent at home solutions.”

Dr Dennis Gross Press Breakfast

During the press breakfast, I tried the C+ Collagen Deep Cream, and Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum having rubbed a small amount of each product into my skin. Both products are smooth, and light in texture oozing a fresh aroma. I have a habit of smelling produce, so my natural reaction was to smell the cream and serum. Overall, my initial impression of Dr.Dennis Gross’s new range was of intrigue. I wanted to learn more about their natural ingredients which are beneficial especially for those with sensitive or dry skin like mine. To that end, I made my way to The Edition Hotel after breakfast where Dr.Dennis Gross was accepting interviews, and skincare therapists were at hand to offer facial treatments.

Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream

Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Kit

Based in New York City, Dermatologist Dr.Dennis Gross has dedicated 17 years to developing technologies as “a brand new way of rebuilding collagen” which he considers The Holy Grail of Youth. In a thought-provoking interview, Dr. Dennis Gross revealed that his simple philosophy is he “takes natural ingredients, combines them and does certain chemistry to them in order to maximise and improve them” I learned that, Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Peel consists of many alpha hydroxy acids blended with beta acids to produce brighter looking skin. I used to exfoliate on a daily basis, but through the expertise of Dr.Dennis Gross, I discovered this process could destroy the skin. His use of many acids is more effective and less damaging to the skin, as opposed to using one acid at a higher concentration, through a mechanism of detachment rather than exfoliation. “Any product that causes redness, discomfort, makes your skin tight, is a disservice,” says Dr.Dennis Gross, hence why we should exfoliate less.

As consumers, we are inclined to buy high-quality products consisting of more natural ingredients -the driving force behind Dr.Dennis Gross’s formulation of C+ Collagen technology combining Vitamin C “the only anti-ageing ingredient that is an antioxidant fighting free radicals and directly stimulates the production of collagen” and hyaluronic acids which penetrate into the skin. Dr. Dennis Gross refers to this as “internal hydration” of which I was completely unaware. To my surprise, such acids have the same consistency as honey so are not ideal for a moisturiser as Dr.Dennis Gross advised, adding that there is a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid in the form of a mask. Subsequently, I tried his Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask which transformed me into a smurf temporarily. Nonetheless, my skin felt so soft after that and looked even more radiant the following day. Dr. Dennis Gross caters for women with all skin types and conditions. His ‘Instant Radiance’ product is a liquid foundation containing SP40 to protect you from the sun. “In this day and age, where people are trying so many different products you have to protect them, and make sure you are soothing their skin,” says Dr.Dennis Gross – a real expert who understands the needs of his customer base.

Dr Dennis Gross Pro Peel

Having tried the other products from Dr.Dennis Gross’s four-piece range, I can honestly say my skin felt fresh and looked vibrant after using them for the first time. In a nutshell, they were a godsend just before London Fashion Week. I used all four products every day during LFW. My skin remained hydrated and stood out as much as Sponge Bob at an event to celebrate the launch of the SpongeBob Gold fashion collection in association with six international designers.

Sponge Bob & Style Icon Nat

What I find incredibly refreshing is the set and refresh mist which hydrates your skin without spoiling your makeup, provided you hold the bottle approximately 8-10 inches from your face. The firm eye cream is another gem. You just need to apply a small amount around the eye area.

Dr Dennis Gross Refresh Mist

Dr Dennis Gross Eye Cream

Lastly, I would recommend the alpha beta universal daily peel consisting of two pads – step one pad is an all -in-one cleanser to smooth the skin and step two pad acts as an anti-ageing neutraliser. The mask is highly concentrated. Courtney Brooks, who carried out ‘The Peel’ treatment on me, advised using the mask once a month. Overall, I had a very productive morning having owned my glow with pride.

Dr Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel

London Fashion Week Preparation

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images My Own | Bag From #DeptfordDockyard

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February 13, 2017

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The Lifestyle Collective: How To Uplift Your Wardrobe?

We all have our go-to wardrobe essentials for certain occasions or when something randomly pops up aka lastminute.com. Our knowledge of traditional seasonal trends encourages us to make sensible fashion choices like owning a little black dress for those quick-fix moments. However, if you are one to think outside the box, you would most likely wear a little colourful dress instead – come rain or shine. The spring equinox is soon, so why not inject more colour into your wardrobe from now?

I always wondered why some people work out more during the winter. Apparently, so as to achieve their desired ‘summer body.’ Approach your style in the same way – slowly prepare your ‘summer wardrobe.’ After all, what use is a well-kept body without the right clothes to show it off? Is it wrong of me to say that I do not own many black dresses? I was invited to a press breakfast at Selfridges to celebrate a new skincare range. Part of me wanted to wear black considering it was a relatively cold and dismal morning. On the other hand, I felt like dressing in a brighter colour to reflect my positive mood. I was happy with my final outfit choice, which was a cotton, tie dye patterned, red dress from S9 Muses by designer Ka-Sha. Quirky in design, the sleeves are in blue to compliment blue bow ties on the back of the dress. To show creative flair, I wore the dress back to front to form a sexy V-neck. Show off one physical attribute at a time leaving the rest to the imagination. This dress was fitting for the occasion – a classic A-line cut that cinches in at the waist and flares out slightly, knee-length; suitable for most body types especially an hour-glass. Ka-Sha uses bright colours and decorative details also incorporated into their designs as a form of storytelling.

Styleiconnat wearing Ka-Sha

In essence, Ka-Sha merges ‘art with sustainability’, which is all the more reason why I appreciate the ethos of S9 Muses. As curators in fashion, S9 Muses help to provide a platform for such brands as Ka-Sha, in support of slow fashion advocating sustainability as a collective, especially to those consumers who share the same values. You can see more from Ka-Sha by visiting S9 Muses online. Use promotional code: S9STYLEICON at checkout, which is valid until the 28th February 2017, to qualify to enter the raffle prize draw. You can be the winner of a beautiful scarf made of Khadi cotton from House of Wandering Silk. We will announce the winner on 1st March 2017.

House of Wandering Silk

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images My Own | Product Images from www.s9muses.com

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February 11, 2017

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The Lifestyle Collective: Why Fashion Is A Harmless Game?

It has been a while since I danced my socks off especially to the nostalgic beat of hit songs such as Madonna’s Express Yourself. The latter, I did indeed and so proudly at an event hosted by Jo Manoukian, owner of Jo’s Dance, and Darcey Burcell from Strictly Come Dancing in support of Women for Women UK #SheInspiresMe Dance campaign. What a better way to entertain guests, than at the historical Cafe De Paris on Wednesday 25th January. I, finally, got to meet the Women for Women UK team including Jenny Rose, Emma Thomson, and Brita Fernandez Schmidt. Such women are an inspiration and a reminder of the immense support network surrounding women survivors of war.

I wanted to wear something comfortable to the event. I knew there would be lots of dancing involved hence why a comfy pair of shoes and a lightweight clutch were on the top of my list of things to wear. In the end, I opted for a cape-jumpsuit and a stunning knuckle duster; embossed leather black clutch by Alexander Mcqueen from Designer Exchange, to compliment my outfit. The clutch was the right size for all my evening essentials including my mobile phone, credit card holder, keys, and makeup. Such a pleasant surprise as most of my evening clutches hold very few items. The Alexander Mcqueen clutch is unique in design with a knuckle duster feature that looks like a four-finger ring once you place your fingers through the knuckle duster itself. How dope? I initially thought. Interestingly, this look is harmless portraying a fashionable gimmick ultimately. It is a signature Alexander Mcqueen piece with enough edge to make a classic ensemble look a touch more dynamic.

Designer Exchange – Alexander Mcqueen Knuckle Duster Clutch

She Inspires Me Dance – Style Icon Nat with Darcey Burcell from Strictly Come Dancing

Designer Exchange stock a range of bags from designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes to name just a few. Furthermore, all four stores across the UK including the one in Knightsbridge, London buy, sell and exchange previously owned designer accessories offering payment on the day for bags that are authentic and in great condition. You can always shop online if you are unable to contain your excitement.

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images My Own | Alexander Mcqueen Clutch from Designer Exchange