Blog |

March 16, 2017

The Lifestyle Collective: Amazon’s Prime Now Mobile App

If you are in need of last minute gift inspiration without having to trawl the high street, I suggest you download Amazon’s Prime Now mobile App. There are many ways in which to shop conveniently and via Prime Now you are a click away from purchasing luxurious items of your choice within the comfort of your home and delivered in record time. The latest addition to Amazon’s online international hub of world-famous beauty brands is a range of luxury health, wellbeing and beauty products from John Bell and Croyden – Pharmacists to Her Majesty The Queen. Local Prime members in selected postcodes can choose a same-day delivery or a one-hour delivery service which costs £6.99 per order. A two-hour delivery is free for Prime members.

The one drawback about online shopping is the possibility of experiencing a delay in delivery. Having put Prime Now to the test, I received my items on time with the option of two-hour delivery windows. I treated myself to Korres’ Vanilla Freesia Lychee Eau De Toilette in 50ml – sweet in smell and an appropriate size for an evening clutch. However, the smell of the fragrance does not last for long, unlike an Eau de Parfum, so you may have to spray it onto your body many times for longevity. I also purchased a scented candle from Neom Organics London which oozes a soft and calming aroma. It consists of a blend of essential oils including Moroccan blush rose, lime and black pepper, all chosen to induce a tranquil atmosphere which I need in my office space to work efficiently.

Korres Vanilla Fresia and lychee EDT

NEOM Candle – Amazon

My items came in one box resulting in less waste to dispose of with haste. Prime Now is worth it and will make a trip to work more enjoyable while you shop away via a mobile app in the palm of your hand. The bonus is, you may well have your purchase waiting for you patiently by the time you get home. I can’t think of a better way to reward oneself after a busy working day.

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images sourced from www.PrimeNow.co.uk

Blog |

March 10, 2017

| Style Icon

The Lifestyle Collective: How To Get Your Va Va Voom Back?

Ronan and Storm Keating pulled out all the stops at this year’s star-studded, circus-themed ball to celebrate the partnership between the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity. My mother and I were invited to the ball. We had a blast from the get-go with world-class entertainment in abundance. Upon arrival, we could not resist a few glasses of bubbly from one of the beverage sponsors, Pol Roger champagne.

After an hour or so, we were then escorted to the main hall, where guests were greeted by Ronan and Storm Keating, followed by a touching speech by their children. James Nesbitt OBE hosted the rest of the evening while guests enjoyed a three-course meal in the style of authentic fine dining. What made the night even more dynamic were speeches by guests Sir Harpal Kumar, who was knighted in the 2016 New Years Honours List for services to cancer research, and a cancer survivor who shared her incredible journey.

I wanted to look fabulous for this event, so I went all out concerning hair, makeup, and my outfit choice, of course. I opted for a rather classic outfit: a two-piece in black and navy combined. I would not usually put such colours together, but I loved the style of the top and trousers, both of which oozed understated glamour. With every outfit, one needs chic accessories. It is not necessary to wear a designer brand from head-to-toe, but be innovative with your fashion choices – Why be afraid to do so? Luckily, I found a beautiful Valentino clutch in Designer Exchange, Knightsbridge. I had no qualms about mixing a high-street ensemble with a designer handbag. I will let you in on a secret – anyone can make an outfit look out of this world provided the fit, colour, and added accessories compliment one another and are styled well. My advice would be to pay more attention to detail by adding extra Va Va Voom. That said, let your accessories do the talking, and hence why I could not resist a clutch by Valentino, crafted from black vinyl. The Rockstud crystal embellished hand-strap blended with my metallic silver glitter shoes and stood out elegantly in the spotlight.

11th Annual Emeralds & Ivy Ball, London, UK – 25 Feb 2017

Have you ever heard of a clutch getting ‘papped’? Well, that is what happened on the red carpet. My choice of a bag was clearly a hit and somehow sugar-coated the rest of my outfit with an alluring appeal. It is coincidental that an article was published just recently in the Mail Online, where I provide commentary on the popularity of Valentino Rockstuds. They have remained on trend and undoubtedly have the Va Va Voom factor for special red-carpet moments.

Valentino Clutch From Designer Exchange

11th Annual Emeralds & Ivy Ball, London, UK – 25 Feb 2017

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 good condition like the Valentino clutch. I found it light to carry and such a convenient size for all my evening essentials. Size matters, so the old saying goes. On that note, I got my “Va Va Voom back” in time for such a memorable occasion to celebrate a worthy cause and to raise awareness.

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Photos by Jon Furniss OK! Magazine Photographer | Photo of Valentino Clutch From Designer Exchange by Nils Jorgensen – Rex Features

Blog |

March 9, 2017

| Style Icon

The Lifestyle Collective: Is SpongeBob A Fashion Icon?

The iconic SpongeBob SquarePants is taking the fashion world by storm. Known for his adventures and antics with friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob appears to have set his sights on a new venture for fashion domination which I had the pleasure of discovering, on 18th February 2017, at an exclusive event to launch a year-long SpongeBob international campaign. The timing could not have been better for the launch. London Fashion Week AW17 was in full swing while SpongeBob was going for Gold at The Store Studios, 180 Strand – the new BFC show space – as part of an innovative collaboration with six international designers: Peter Jensen, Bobby Abley, Salar, Maria Francesca Pepe, Suecomma Bonnie and Bad Denim.

SpongeBob Gold Collection

VIP guests, as well as avid fans of SpongeBob Square Pants, were in attendance to celebrate The Spongebob Gold fashion collection featuring 27 items. While admiring the collection, the imminence of fashion characterised by cartoon characters crossed my mind which, to my knowledge, has not been implemented in as much depth as the SpongeBob Gold fashion collaboration. In comparison to current fashion trends, I think original creative thinking is paving the way for a non-conventional, fashion movement that could influence a refreshing wave of brand new trends. Further to this, Nickelodeon International and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) have cleverly transformed a hero from the sea into a fashion influencer on land. Charlotte Castillo, SVP of brand management and creative for Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products says “…What makes this collection special is the way each designer has incorporated SpongeBob into their trademark style. By bringing SpongeBob into their world and incorporating the element of gold, our collaborators have created beautiful items, unlike anything we have seen before.”

Sponge Bob Gold Collection – Salar

SpongeBob Gold Collection – Suecomma Bonnie

SpongeBob Gold Collection – Maria Francesca Pepe

SpongeBob Gold Collection – Bobby Abley

SpongeBob Gold Collection – Peter Jensen

Although each designer showcased their individual design aesthetic, as part of the SpongeBob Gold Collection, what they all have in common is their love for SpongeBob. Peter Jensen, known for his use of colour and print in addition to his signature rabbit motif says “I have watched SpongeBob for as long as I can remember, he is part of my Saturday morning ritual in the same way a boiled egg with salt is.” Italian-born jewellery designer Maria Francesca Pepe says that “I developed an exclusive capsule collection of jewellery based on SpongeBob’s variety of super cute facial expressions, so you could wear your mood as a charm.”

Bad Denim offered a glimpse of their quirky designs. The brand has a reputation for customising the best denim brands from around the world including Vintage Levi and Wrangler. Creative director, Erin Fridja says “SpongeBob is a yellow square of positivity…I knew instantly that I wanted to incorporate my favourite part of the show’s theme song – ‘He lives in a pineapple under the sea’ into my designs.”

Bobby Abley launched his namesake label of contemporary menswear in 2012. “It is such an honour to work with a lifelong hero of mine, the one, and only SpongeBob, as I say, I’m excited my bear and SpongeBob are finally meeting. I’ll SpongeBob your SquarePants!”

Salar Bicheranloo and Francesca Monaca who make up creative duo Salar showcased a stunning bag collection at the event. “…We LOVE SpongeBob for many reasons…but mainly because he cooks the best Krabby patties!”

SpongeBob Gold Collection

Overall, SpongeBob has won the hearts of many on a global scale. He put a smile on my face like a little girl with a pocket full of sweets. I could not agree more with Suecomma Bonnie who founded her brand in 2003 – Korea’s first luxury shoe brand. “There’s something about SpongeBob that makes everyone smile!” Says Bonnie Lee. “That’s why I love him. I wanted to create something special to celebrate his heart of gold.”

Sponge Bob & Styleiconnat

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

Blog |

March 3, 2017

| Style Icon

The Lifestyle Collective: The 11th Emeralds & Ivy Ball

On the eve of Saturday, 25, February 2017 more than 450 guests joined Ronan and Storm Keating for the annual Emeralds & Ivy Ball, which took place at the Battersea Evolution Centre. The ball, which is now in its 11th year, has raised more than £7 million, since it had begun, in 2006, to support the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow. The crushing truth remains that cancer is an unapologetic disease that shows no mercy while taking precious lives every day. At some point, someone we know or love dearly -whether a family member, friend or an acquaintance – is suffering or has died from cancer. Unfortunately, Ronan Keating and his family lost their mother, Marie Keating, to breast cancer in 1998. She was only 51 years of age. During such turmoil, all one can do is surrender without anger and, subsequently, work toward making a positive difference. Ronan Keating and his family are leading by example, having set up the Marie Keating Foundation in 2001: “Making cancer less frightening by enlightening.” After all, the best way to teach someone a lesson is through education; thus, “knowledge is power,” indeed.

The 11th Emeralds & Ivy Ball – Battersea Evolution Centre

In 2006, Ronan then approached the Cancer Research UK to set up mobile road show units in the UK, which proved to be a success in the Republic of Ireland due to providing cancer information free of charge to increase awareness of the causes of cancer and the ways to combat early symptoms. Furthermore, specialist nurses play a fundamental role in the running of these units by talking to the general public about ‘life-saving steps to reduce the risk of cancer’ in addition to putting them in touch with local services. Cancer affects us all in one way or form, which is why I feel we owe it to ourselves to continue to raise awareness through as many fundraising platforms as possible. The Emeralds and Ivy Ball now funds two out of four Cancer Awareness Roadshow Units that continue to tour the UK as part of our collective effort to help reduce the number of lives affected by cancer. Once again, Ronan and Storm Keating pulled out all the stops at this year’s star-studded, circus-themed ball to celebrate the partnership between the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity that receives no government funding. Therefore, ‘every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated, so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will still be alive ten years or more after a cancer diagnosis.’

My mother and I were invited to the ball. We had a blast from the get-go with world-class entertainment in abundance. Upon arrival, we could not resist a few glasses of bubbly from one of the beverage sponsors, Pol Roger champagne. Soon after, we cleansed our palettes with Fenney’s Irish Cream liqueur presented in small milk bottles with ice. Banham Group, London’s largest security provider, were the headline supporters for the ball. The welcome reception captivated our attention, until dinner, with light-hearted activities you would find on a circus ground, along with a photo booth, popcorn, and candy stand, as well as some of the auction prizes on exhibition. After an hour or so, we were then escorted to the main hall, where guests were greeted by Ronan and Storm Keating, followed by a touching speech by their children. James Nesbitt OBE hosted the rest of the evening while guests enjoyed a three-course meal in the style of authentic fine dining. What made the night even more dynamic were speeches by guests Sir Harpal Kumar, who was knighted in the 2016 New Years Honours List for services to cancer research, and a cancer survivor who shared her incredible journey.

The 11th Emeralds and Ivy Ball

There were some fantastic prizes up for grabs in a live auction, including an escape to Necker Island, an iconic piece of Artwork by Ed Chapman, two VIP tickets to meet James Corden at The Late Late Show in LA, and a holiday in Marbella to join a host of celebrities at the Global Gift Celebrity Golf Challenge and Gala Dinner. We then enjoyed the rest of the evening sipping on delicious cocktails, including a “Dubliner Honey Comb Sour” and a “Dubliner & Ginger” while dancing away to Simple Minds, Heather Small and, of course, Ronan Keating. As a result of this incredible evening, a whopping £606,000 was raised to support two amazing causes: Cancer Research UK and the Marie Keating Foundation, which brought back memories of when I took part in the British 10k London Run, in 2015, in aid of Cancer Research UK. I may not have raised as much as the Emerald and Ivy Ball. Nonetheless, I felt proud of the sum I had raised. Every little bit helps to save another life, potentially. I did this by myself, so think about how much could be achieved if more of us worked together. In order to win it, you have got to be in it!

The 11th Emeralds & Ivy Ball

Style Icon Nat – British 10k London Run For Cancer Research UK

“Our Emeralds & Ivy Ball has been going for 11 years now, and it remains a hugely important event in helping us raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK through the Marie Keating Foundation” – Ronan Keating.

The 11th Emeralds & Ivy Ball

For more information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022, or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective -“A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images of Ronan Keating by Jon Furniss – OK! Magazine’s Photographers | Remaining Images My Own