Anita Darling has been (and is) away & will be back on Monday 4th July!!!

Bonjour Darlings! Ahh I have missed you - and I apologise for disappearing without warning! However, I will be back with you all from Monday 4th July for lots more Fashion, Beauty and plenty of Luxury! On another note - I feel terrible to have missed so much amazing Fashion news... gosh there's Versace for H&M, Woman of the moment...Beyonce, Festival Fashion and LOTS more.... so.... as a treat, I have decided to give you another week to enter my amazing Bag Icons giveaway!!! So you'll now have until Saturday 9th July to enter and increase your chances of winning a Snakeskin Clutch worth £260!!!

ENTER HERE NOW:

http://www.anitadarlingubhi.com/2011/06/win-bag-icons-aqua-snakeskin-clutch.html

#manicuremonday *blackandyellowblackandyellowblackandyellow*

Had a little fun with Ciate Super Poke, Barry M Hologram and Nubar Nail Art Pen in Black...hope you like!

xx

#Hero #SummerBeauty Body Wash/Scrub : Origins Gloomaway!!!

I absolutely love products the liven up my bath and beauty routine in the summer - products that energize my skin, make me feel revitalized and smell super fresh! The Origins Gloomaway Collection consists of four body treats that are designed to do just that! The Body Mist, Body Wash and Bubble Bath, Body Buffing Cleanser and Body Souffle, all feature Grapefruit essential Oils paired with Field Mint and Sweet Orange, altogether brightening your day and lifting the spirits. Sweet Orange Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Citrus Aurantium, and is known to help ease anxiety and have skin-toning benefits; Field Mint has a high content of Plant Oils and obviously has a very fresh scent - so together these ingredients are seriously uplifting!

I have personally used the Gloomaway Body Wash and Bubble Bath and the Body Buffing Cleanser which both deserve to be #Hero #SummerBeauty Products - The Body Wash and Bubble Bath brightened my mood instantly! I first used it as a body wash and found it generated a generous amount of foam that was so fragrant, it left me with a clean body and mind! I was so impressed at how vibrant it made me feel that early in the morning and there was definitely a spring in my step all day! When I used it as a bubble bath in the evening, I honestly thought that it would probably enliven my senses a little too much, and cause me to feel too awake rather than sleepy and ready for bed. I was sooo wrong. You see, Grapefruit Essential Oils are actually used by aromatherapists, to calm nervous exhaustion and anxiety, and produce a joyous and balancing environment... I knocked out as soon as my head hit the pillow, and woke up the next morning feeling pleasant, happy, and my mind felt very calm.

The Body Buffing Cleanser is a body scrub that polishes the skin and leaves it super smooth. When I used it I thought there would be less fragrance than the Body Wash... but theres more! It was like a Citrus bomb had expoded in my bathroom and it made me feel so good that it motivated me to actually start an entire new bath routine alongside getting fit - I'm talking body brushing, scrubing, moisturising, exercising and generally looking after my body! It really does have that feel good factor, and the combination of cleansers derived from Palm Coconut and Crushed Seeds ensures it cleans skin, buffs away dead skin and removes all traces of grime - leaving soft skin with a very light sweet scent. It's perfect for Summer and it's not one of those annoying scrubs that are labelled 'polish' or 'scrub' but instead are a gel-like wash with the tiniest particles that you cant even feel... no, instead, you get a proper scrub that really does slough off dead skin without being too harsh. It does the job... very well.

I really recommend these two products -infact the entire collection as #Hero #SummerBeauty Products that will make you look and feel amazing! You can purchase the Body Wash and Bubble Bath at £17.00 and the Body Buffing Cleanser at £18.00 at all Origins stores/counters and online at www.Origins.co.uk.

#Hero #SummerBeauty Body Oil : Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Oil

The Neroli Portofino Body Oil is the best I have ever used. Period. Not only because it is incredibly luxurious and silky, but because it leaves no greasy residue that some oils do, which then puts me off from using them no matter how nice they smell. This lightweight revitalizing Oil conditions the skin with the signature Mediterranean based blend of Olive Fruit Oil, Grape Seed Oil and Date Seed Extract - nourishing and moisturising the skin whilst leaving it glistening with out the residue. I've found it perfect to use pool side as well as for summer evening glamour! And I don't need to actually use fragrance with it either... The Neroli Portofino scent is one of the most popular scents in the Private Blend Collection, infused with vibrant citrus oils, floral notes and amber undertones of the original fragance. 

Portofino is a Resort town on the Italian Riviera internationally recognised for it's conflux of arresting beauty and old-world glamour and tradition... Tom Ford has captured this perfectly for the entire Neroli Portofino Collection - Packaging is reminiscent of the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, with translucent Aqua glass and the Tom Ford label coated in a decadent Golden hue. This is the most luxurious Body Oil I have ever used, transporting me into a world of luxury, heat, elegance and glamour ... A #Hero #SummerBeauty Product I will continue to use... The Neroli Portofino Body Oil 250ml is £45.00 and can be purchased at all Tom Ford Counters in leading department stores internationally.

www.TOMFORD.com

The Last Collection of the Legendary Gianni Versace : Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga yesterday released the official link to her new video 'The Edge Of Glory', directed by Haus Of Gaga ...and it certianly went down a treat! The video is probably the 'safest' and non-controversial video Gaga has released - wearing an ensemble from the last collection of legendary designer Gianni Versace! A fabulous reminder of just how talented this designer was! Enjoy The Edge of Glory above...

Emma Watson for Vogue : a far cry from the Harry Potter days...

Hasn't Emma Watson come a long way since her days as Hermione Granger?! Emma was photographed by Mario Testino for the July 2011 issue of Vogue US - showcasing a seriously grown up woman, exuding elegance, glamour and style. Emma wears pieces from Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen and Mui Mui - It really is Emma Watson's New Day...

Father's Day Edit : Daddy, Daddy Cool...

I've put together three luxe items that you can't go wrong with this Father's Day - If like me, you are forever trying to impress your dad, but get stuck for ideas and want to gift something that is classic but hate the idea of giving socks (even if they are the very smartest of socks), then take a look at the following three items that speak volumes in taste (one of the items literally does)...

In at Number 3 is a bottle of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Chivas Regal - yes, at £115.00 it may be a little costly, but as a full bodied blended Malt, that's really not that bad. This Whisky is fragrant with the deep aromas of Raisins, Heather and Walnuts,with a smooth finish and a haunting smokiness to it. Trust me, your Dad will be impressed. Where to buy :  Harrods of London.

Number 2 is a pair of Starburst Enamel Cufflinks by Duchamp of London at £49.00. These babies work with a smart shirt for work and although small, look ultra sleek after work whether it be a bar, dinner or even a wedding. They are that pair that your dad will probably love just because they go with every shirt and every suit. Believe it or not, cufflinks say alot about a man - attention to detail, class, style. And I want my Dad to look cool. Period. Where to buy : Duchamp London.

Number 1 is my favourite! It's the Tom Ford Grey Vetiver fragrance for Men and After Shave Balm. This fragrance has been crafted around the most authentic Vetiver note and moves through a top note enhanced with sparkling Orange flower and Grapefruit notes, as aromatic Sage develops the ingredient's masculine character and Wood wraps the top note, balancing the dry coolness for which Vetiver is famous. The middle notes see Orris, which creates a warm and luxurious comfort at the heart of the scent. Nutmeg and Pimiento are added to this body to enliven the core Vetiver character - this goes on to the Dry Down... As the full impact of Grey Vetiver begin to unfold, it's fascinating richness blends with a wash of Golden, warm Amber Woods, while Oakmoss enhances the Green and Woodsy aspect - ensuring it never becomes too earthy or pungent. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver floats coolly on the skin, while subtly melting into the body's heat at the same time.

It's a scent that will make your Dad feel really good - and he will truly appreciate it... "Vetiver immediately evokes for me the classic man, someone who has a confident, refined, and slightly traditional sense of what it means to be a man - an elegance that is mirrored in Tom Ford clothing. It's one of my favourite fragrance notes because it is timeless, grounded, and has an enoumous amount of character." Tom Ford adds "Almost everyone recognises Vetiver and has an association with the aroma; it is the fragrance equivalent of the classic blue blazer, the beautiful watch, or the cap-toed shoe." Tom Ford could not of put it in better words. Having Male friends that work as industry insiders that have actually tried this, I know that all guys - whatever their age, love this scent. And most women love it too! The Aftershave Balm not only leaves skin lightly scented with Grey Vetiver, it also hydrates and soothes dry, just-shaven skin. It's an intensely rich balm that leaves skin soft and comfortable too!

The Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Fragrance and After Shave Balm are my pick for my Dad this Father's Day... and I know he'll love it! The EDP Spray 100ml is £70.00 and the Aftershave Balm is £30.00 for 75ml - available at all Tom Ford counters, in all major department stores worldwide... and online at TomFord.

Style Crush : Kate Middleton, Sienna, Jaime and Eva...

Sienna Miller is not usually one of my favourites when it comes to style - I do like her choice of outfit upon leaving the theatre however! Wearing a knife-pleated Diane Von Furstenburg Dress and Paco Rabanne's Le69 Chainmail bag, Sienna has made a wise choice opting for a fail-safe outfit... The LBD. It's a classic look that Sienna has toughened up with her bag and chunky platform sandals!

Kate Middleton looks absolutely stunning in a Pink Blush Gown by Jenny Packham. The Duchess of Cambridge opted for an embellished gown from the British Designer that has been spotted on many A-listers recently. With classic 'Middleton' hair and a Metallic clutch, Kate looks beautiful!

A Digi-print Sequin Dress, Golden Hollywood Curls and a gorgeous smile ... Jaime King looks stunning! I love that Jaime has let the dress do the talking (with print and colour) and kept accessories simple and Black. Her hair looks super cute too...

This pretty Lilac shade looks summery and lush against Eva's tanned skin - The Roland Mouret Dress creates an interesting silhouette around Eva's curves and the backless feature keeps it looking sexy!

#Hero #SummerBeauty : Best Foundation & Brush : BOBBI BROWN

For quite some time I've really wanted to look at what the Best possible foundation is to use in the Summer that still gives good coverage - many of us tend to switch to tinted moisturiser, but not all of us are blessed with blemish-free glowing skin. Having suffered with acne when I was younger, I definitely feel like I need to have a little base or at least concealer on to hide any imperfections and I also know that other than drinking plenty of water, getting a good nights sleep and having a good cleansing routine, I also need to make sure my foundation is not too heavy - blocking pores or creating break outs in the warmer weather during the summer months or on holiday.

I now have combination skin with certian areas that can be dry at times and other areas that can sometimes be prone to shine and there is one foundation that has managed to come out on top after using it in different environments... The Luminous Moisturizing Foundation by Bobbi Brown. 

The Luminous Moisturizing Foundation is meant to give skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow and boost skin's natural collagen to firm the skin as well as soften fine lines and imperfections. It does exactly what it says. Really. The first time I tried this was a day out in the heat we've had recently - I was sat under direct sunlight and having a (lovely) picnic with friends. For a natural daytime look I applied a few dabs to key areas and then blended with clean fingers - I found it blended so easily it was super quick to apply. I actually didn't need as much as I thought I would as coverage is really quite good and it gave me a really nice healthy glow. One flick of mascara and I was good to go - it actually made me feel for the first time in my life that I could possibly achieve model-like skin... even with my imperfections and blemishes. It also provided my skin with all day hydration and didn't give that awful feeling of a 'melting face' afew hours in! The fact that this foundation has a skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle extract is music to my ears - milk thistle is great (in small quantities) for skin as it shrinks pores and prevents blemishes.

So I know this foundation is great for everyday as it feels as light as a tinted moisturiser - I've been using it everyday since and my skin has been in great condition so I'm not disappointed at all. The second test was whether this would work with good coverage for evening - I'm talking Bar, to Club... and Party!! I applied it with the foundation brush (I'll come back to that later) for my birthday night out. This was taking a risk - I could of opted for my usual foundation just to be safe as it was my birthday after all and I didn't really want to try a foundation on a night out that could possibly not last all night! Again, I applied dabs to key areas and then blended using the brush - obviously I'm looking for very good coverage with out it looking heavy for a night out in the city so my dabs were a little more than I had applied previously.

I was amazed at the flawless finish both foundation and brush gave to my skin!!! Not only did it stay on all night - I didn't need to touch up and it didn't feel heavy! The coverage was fab - I felt like I had airbrushed skin (yes, really) and actually felt really good about myself whilst I was out. There was no creasing of fine lines under eyes - just a healthy glow, and all-over even colour. Here's a pic of my skin caught by a friend just before I headed out...

The Luminous Moisturizing Foundation is definitely the Best #Hero #SummerBeauty Foundation out there - but it doesn't stop there... I've used many foundation brushes and the Bobbi Brown Foundation brush deserves an award all to itself! This brush works with liquid formulas and stick/cream formulas and blends like a dream. You'll find yourself with a flawless face - even if you've never used a foundation brush before, it's so easy to use. The large flat surface makes it quicker to blend too - and at £31.00 it is worth every penny as it will last you for such a long time!

The Luminous Moisturizing Foundation is £29.00 and the Foundation Brush is £31.00 - both available to purchase at all Bobbi Brown counters and online at BobbiBrown.co.uk.

Both are winners as #Hero #SummerBeauty Products!

WIN A BAG ICONS AQUA SNAKESKIN CLUTCH WORTH £260!!!

Anita Darling is giving away a Bag Icons Snakeskin Clutch worth £260!!! Bag Icons have very kindly given the 'IVY' Aqua Snakeskin Clutch for one lucky Anita Darling reader to win! The Ivy Clutch is a stunning Aqua Snakeskin adorned with semi-precious stone embellishment that gives the feeling of the deep ocean in fashion paradise! Worth £260.00, the clutch is pure leather and snakeskin, with luxe silk lining complete with a very on-trend wristlet...

TO ENTER : 

Follow Anita Darling on Google Connect - using Google or Twitter along the right-hand side of the page.

'Like' Anita Darling on facebook Here.

'Like' Bag Icons on facebook Here.

Leave a comment with your name and email address so that Anita Darling can contact you if you are the lucky winner!

*The competition is open internationally and will close at midnight on Saturday 9th July 2011 - the lucky winner will be chosen at random and notified shortly after* 

GOOD LUCK DARLINGS!!!

Thank you to John and Asdrubal at Bag Icons x

BAG ICONS ...Luxe Handbags Become Personal Again...

In case you are not up to speed with this brand, let me give you a heads up. As a team of two designers - John and Asdrubal, Bag Icons embodies fashion, modernity and beauty, endowed with the highest taste and quality in making leather handbags and accessories.

What impressed me about this collection of handbags and leather accessories is the focus on the quality, using leather of the most supremely tanned, full grain hides that, with a modicum of care, flourish with age. Asdrubal and John have managed to combine design skills using quality materials, supreme Italian and British leathers, contemporary styled metal fittings and attention to detail, to create a variety of luxury handbags and accessories that are not neccassarily just following today's fashion trend as such.

When asked what inspires their designs, the duo say the idea for a bag hits them sporadically from all sorts of different sources...

"The idea of our Mask Bag came from, on one hand the exotic beauty of the leather Venetian masks that we encountered on the participants at one of Venice's masked balls. On the other hand, the ghostly image of a woman's face and hands struggling through a wall and impressing herself through the wallpaper, comes from one of Carsten McCullen's short stories. For our office accessories - the Bertie Collection, we were inspired by import in the 'broguing' techniques primarily used on Men's traditional shoes - such as the patterns of surface holes around the front of a Men's shoe. We then used ultra sleek contemporary Italian metal fittings to rework our office leather goods with an edgy, fused juxtaposition of the old and the new."

I for one, am always looking for something unique - whether it be clothing, jewellery or accessories; and with today's focus on fashion trends, it's difficult to find a handbag that sets itself apart. For instance, I go out to look for a new spacious leather handbag that I can also use as a weekend bag, now as much as I love all the satchels donning retail stores at the moment, I find nothing, because almost every bag out there is satchel-style... no different to the next. So I'm actually having trouble finding a bag that will go with almost everything I wear, and that is just a classic luxe spacious leather handbag! Wouldn't you assume this would be rather easy to find...?

With Bag Icons, it's not just a style statement, but also a quality investment piece that will take you through time - over so many trends that come and go. And there is something for everyone too - In a priviliged moment, the Bag Icons client is converted by the product in recognising a unique, contemporary and quality designed product. More over, in having this instinct, the Bag Icons client pervades all the socio-economic groups of society from City Bankers to Fashionista Bloggers. In short, the Bag Icons client is a kind of person rather than a matter of personal wealth or priviliged upbringing.

So you could be loving the blogger street style trend - I'm talking cambridge satchels, camera bags...in short, androgyny. If so, you'll probably want to look at the Menswear range for a preppy look with undertones of high-living... and if you are following celeb trends or you just love a luxe spacious handbag, then you will love the tote bags!

 Claire Shopper £280

Another fabulous piece for Summer is the 'Claire' Yellow and Aqua leather shopper, with silk lining. Definitely a cut above the rest when it comes to shoppers! It's perfect for the 'overspill' trend that is everywhere - keep your smaller shoulder bag or clutch for your valuables, and the shopper for all of those overspill items that you can't fit in your handbag, probably the easiest trend ever, to follow! All the celebs are donning this trend atm and it's also been seen everywhere from Grazia to Instyle and Elle Magazine, not to mention the beach!

Kay Snakeskin Clutch £260

For luxe exotica in the style of Gucci, DVF and Louis Vuitton, opt for the seriously luxe 'Kay' Red Snakeskin clutch that ticks three trends in one : oversized, exotica and vivid in colour...bonus! 

My personal favourite from the collection is the 'Diamond' tote bag with a stunning contrast of Tan accenting against White Leather, highlighted by Gold hardware... Pure Luxury! Not only can it be used as weekend bag, it screams the luxury of Monaco, the style of Milan and can be styled as Riviera Chic!

Diamond Tote £450

Bag Icons really have made each item unique - it's all about the quality, and handcrafted details. Bags can be made to order, and although small in number yet wide in styles, Bag Icons have made fashion personal again.

Like what you've read and want what you see...? Look out for my next post : 

A BAG ICONS GIVEAWAY WORTH £260!!!

www.bag-icons.com

#manicuresaturday... nail designs I've spotted this week!

(Seriously HOT) Cosmic Nails via Alex Tieghi-Walker - AnOther Mag

Mui Mui & Diamond Design Nails via ameblo.jp

Liquorice Nail Art via BeautyB

Two Tone Leopard Print via Rouge_Volupte

Bang Bang Private Commission via Sophy Robson

Christy Turlington Covers Madame le Figaro : June 2011

Wow... will Christy Turlington ever age?! For the June 2011 Issue of Madame le Figaro, Christy was photographed by Ellen von Unwerth as a Zen Beauty, with a deep tropical setting, tanned skin and steamy make-up! Christy just does not seem to age - she's one super left that really, well, hasn't changed! Ellen captures Christy in a range of beachwear, denim... and that Macrame Fringed Gucci Dress that I am seriously lusting after!

HOT.

Florence Welch confirmed as the new face of GUCCI!

Creative Director of luxe high-fashion label Gucci, Frida Giannini has today announced Florence Welch as the new face of Gucci! Frida recently revealed that Florence Welch was the inspiration behind the Fall 2011 Collection - and it's since been confirmed that Florence will be modelling the flowing longer hemlines in the forthcoming campaign.

"As I was imagining this collection I was thinking of a strong and somewhat mysterious muse. Florence is that kind of woman. She has a powerful personality and an entrancing quality to her performances." said Frida - and isn't it just a perfect fit?! We're so used to seeing Florence dancing around on the stage and in her music videos in beautiful flowing fabrics in her free-spirited ways...it will be great to see the talented flame-haired style icon for such a powerful label! This campaign will be stunning...

Had my Mojito at the Fun Fair & called a Big Yellow Taxi from my Speed Dial...

Summer Brights are what it's all about at the moment - and I'm looking to Ciate Paint Pots to add a pop of colour to my talons! The Ciate SS 2011 Collection holds a range of colours that are bright, glossy and long lasting - the two newest additions to the collection are 'The Glossip' and 'Big Yellow Taxi' , a bright Sunshine Yellow and a lush Poppy Coral shade which I cannot wait to try! I'm also loving Speed Dial (Hot Orange) which is stunning on tanned toes! Every single one of these shades are fab for summer holidays and are so bright you'll feel like you've got your own little mani-carnival going on! Last week I tried out Mojito, a vivid Spring Green colour which definitely stood out! It's not a colour you see on nails that often but I absolutely loved it and it got my nails a whole lot of good attention. It needed two coats for the colour to really pop but each coat dried very quickly so that wasn't a problem. 

I've currently got Fun Fair on which is a pleasant Lilac shade - similar to a Chanel colour that I used to wear day in and day out when I was 15... unfortunately it was discontinued and I've never managed to find a colour even close to it but this is pretty much identical so I'm very happy indeed!! I also love that Ciate have fun with their names... it makes it so much more fun when your telling someone what colour your wearing! 

At only £9.00 each you'll get two for the price of one high-end nail polish, pretty good I say...! Check out www.ciate.co.uk for the full range of colours - 'The Glossip' and 'Big Yellow Taxi' will be online to purchase very soon.

Style Crush : CFDA Awards : Marchesa. Thierry Mugler. BCBG Max Azria.

Ahhh this is why I love Georgina Chapman so much! The Marchesa designer donned a stunning dress from her own collection with a sheer Black Lace body and gathered Silk Chiffon giving an elegant finish at the CFDA Awards - sprinkled with a handful of intricate embellishment of course! Georgina looks absolutely stunning - one of the most talented designers of today I think. I simply cannot wait to see what the next Marchesa collection holds!

I don't think I have ever seen Chanel Iman do wrong when it comes to style. Colour is definitely this model's thing! Channeling two of Summer's hottest trends : Bold Brights and Seventies Evening Glamour, Chanel works that BCBG Max Azria Turquoise Dress with Gold accents in the form of Strappy Sandals and fine Gold Jewellery - stunning!

I love Lady Gaga's choice of outfit for the CFDA Awards - as much as I admire her brave fashion choices, it's refreshing to see something on her that isn't so bonkers! Gaga's Black Strapless Mini Dress with huge train is by Thierry Mugler (obvs) - worn over a Mesh Bodysuit (fab idea!), and finished with a Turquoise bob, Red lips and Red nails. Congrats to Lady Gaga who won the Fashion Icon awards at the ceremony!

Style Tip : For instant sex appeal with an evening outfit, opt for a Black ensemble - this can be dress, smart peg-leg trousers or jumpsuit (a bodycon dress is ultra sexy), and team it with vibrant Red lips (make sure they're matt) and one Turquoise accent - this can be in the form of a clutch bag, nails or heels... but NOT your eyeshadow... that would just be overkill!

Style Crush : Olsen twins, Mila Kunis, Kristen Stewart & Emma Watson

Nominated for the Swarovski award for Womenswear at the prestigious CFDA Awards, MK and Ashley Olsen mixed their own label, The Row, with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Manolo Blahnik for a look that confirms just why these two are top of the style stakes. I love the combination of sleek oriental-esque dresses, with smart briefcase style satchel bags - Mary Kate's sequinned Chanel Jacket is to die for!

I've got major girl crush on Mila Kunis atm since I watched Black Swan, she's talented, stylish and has an edge about her style that I admire. Not to mention she's hot. I love the choice of outfit Mila stepped out in for the Spike TV Guy's Choice Awards - a printed button-down Givenchy dress, Coral Bottega Venetta Clutch, Nude Louboutins and glossy hair. Super Chic I say.

Kristen Stewart stole the show at the MTV Movie Awards - not just with the amount of awards Twilight Eclipse won, but with that Balmain mini dress! This fierce little number had everyone's eyes when it first rocked the Balmain catwalk... a Red leather strapless dress completely covered with safety pins and studs - and Kristen did it justice with classic Black heels, wavy rock-chic hair and not a piece of jewellery in sight!

Emma Watson was the only other starlet that really stood out alongside Kristen at the MTV Movie Awards. Emma opted for a stunning White Marchesa Mini Dress with plenty of crystal embellishment at the neck and shoulders paired with ultra-high Metallic Silver Platform Pumps (I love!) - she looked pretty, glam and tres chic!