TRANSFORMULAS
Autumn 2010 Edition
magazine www.transformulas.com
Autumn Edition 2010
CONTENTS UPDATE What’s new p4
FASHION Caramel Cool p5 Style Special p7
RETAIL Country Living p9
I’m simple - at least where my new wardrobe is concerned. Pared down panache is back in vogue thanks to Celine’s Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney. After several seasons of sparkles and embellished accessories, I’ve had enough of the more is more mantra and can’t wait to embrace the a/w lust for minimalist luxe. The camel coat is out of storage, the cashmere dress is on order and the Mulberry satchel is on Santa’s list. Yes folks, it’s time for a new season update. And to help you with your autumn shopping list, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the latest fashion, beauty and home trends. Enjoy.
Penny x
INSIDE & OUT Trend Alert p12 The return of glamour p13 Q&A p16 Kitten de Ville p17 Tarotscopes p18
New looks p19 Autumn Recipe p21
WHAT’S ON Entertainment p23
TRAVEL Brazil p24
WORK Mentor Magic p27
BACK FEATURE Back to School p30
A/W 2010 trends revealed p7
Shearling aviator jacket, £35, Asda
Editor’s Note
HOME
Model wears outfit from House of Fraser
UPDATE
web wonder image from microsoft
2. Aisle Be There CURATOR OF COOL
1. New Look Website Want to bring joy to the whole wide world? We just beat you to it with our new look website launching late September. Not only is it a thing of beauty but it’ll give you the opportunity to shop in your PJs. Plus, it has lots of lovely extras like articles and expert advice. Think of transformulas.com as your own beauty butler. Looking better has never been easier.
Transformulas flies into Fenwicks of Bond Street. Yup. Our non invasive yet highly effective range of anti ageing products will now be available in the prestigious London flagship store.
WHAT’S HOT
3. inbox intuition Don’t you love e-mails? With just a tap-taptap of the old fingers, you can shop, gossip and get a raise. But can you see the future? The psychic gurus at The House of Good Fortune can. They conduct on-line psychic readings and deliver personal predictions to your inbox. The readings are not automated and you even get a chance to ask further questions. Perfect for those office bound days. www.thehouseofgoodfortune.co.uk
Someone’s had a little work done. A nip, a tuck and just a touch of filler and Liverpool’s Living Room looks like her younger self, attracting the city’s most beautiful people. Talking of trendy places - everyone’s raving about the Shipping Forecast, an uber hip alehouse on Slater Street. Expect an impressive array of edgy DJs and up and coming bands. It’s a bit young but hey, what’s in a number? As someone who prefers her bars classic with a twist, its off to The Red Door in West Kirby. Okay, so they’re a client but hand on Bible, the former funeral parlor rocks. For some day time R&R it’s off to the beach - a faux one in the middle of Liverpool One - well, a girl never likes to be too far from the shops.
Carolyn Hughes
FASHION creme caramel
ON TREND << Leopard skin is the big cat print to embrace this season. It was seen in all the big shows including Gucci, Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana. Wear with this season’s Chloe style trousers. Outfit from Warehouse. >> The camel coat is the most on-trend way of working the season’s hottest hue. Choose a military shape like this one from Warehouse. Mix minimalist shapes with lady-like accessories for the ultimate in grown up chic. This camel dress from Hobbs, £150, looks amazing with these Prada style earrings, £32, from Talullah Tu.
Bargain Alert
The preppy look of S/S 10 sneaks into autumn. Channel the Mulberry vibe with this satchel from Red Herring at Debenhams. The price? A recession friendly £35.
NEW SEASON STYLE SECRETS
We asked three fashion insiders for their advice on what to wear this autumn. DESIGNER: Kirsty Doyle What will you be wearing this season? I will be wearing trousers in any shape or form - super flared or cropped to the ankle. A well cut pair of trousers can make you look slimmer and taller. Worn with the right pair of heels, I’m good to go. Favourite autumn/winter 2010 shows? I love all of the shearling collars on this season’s coats and particularly liked the Christopher Kane leather and shearling jacket.
What are your ‘lust haves’? I will be buying shoes, shoes and more shoes. I love shoes more than any other accessory in that they can finish off an outfit and make you stand out from the crowd literally.
check out the new look www.kirstydoyle.com
that something special.
Best fashion moment apart from winning TV’s Favourite shops Project Catwalk? Apart from my own, I My best fashion moment love Start and Dover is one in the future. Street Market in London The opening of our new but I don’t think store will be taking anywhere matches the brand to another Cricket’s buys. level. We have Justine’s daring everything a girl could choices in Balenciaga want for this autumn/ give Liverpool girls winter.
CELEBRITY STYLIST: Lorraine McCulloch
Model wears one of Kirsty’s dresses
What’s on your a/w wish list? Isabel Marant’s leather biker trousers and Stella McCartney’s reversible cape are both up there. Celine is another ‘must have’ label and is currently available at Cricket. What are your style rules for autumn wear? Make sure retro looks have a contemporary finish, otherwise you’ll look like you’re going to a fancy dress party. Which high street stores have best interpreted this season’s biggest trends? Top Shop never disappoints on this front but H&M have also done well with their capes, Parisian cool pieces and lady-like silhouettes. Up and coming labels? Peter Pilotto is one to watch.
MODEL: Alex Leigh Which new season trend do you love? This season has so many great looks to choose from it’s impossible to pick just one, so I’m going to be greedy and have a couple. The first is the return of killer curves in 1950s and 1960s silhouettes. They offer the ultimate in hour glass dressing with wasp waists, a hint of cleavage and below the knee hems. Velvet is the other trend that has got me giddier than a kipper as it means I can dust off one of the first designer pieces I ever owned. The floor length bias gown by Nicholas Knightly oozes opulence but it’s so nipped in at the waist I can barely breathe but darling - no pain, no gain. I was given it in exchange for a runway stint during London Fashion Week way back in - ahem - 1996. What will you be buying to add to your current wardrobe? A pair of kitten heels to compliment my Mad Men style dresses. Being nearly 6’2, the lower heel makes me feel feminine and less freakishly tall than when wearing platforms.
Kitten heels from Top Shop
Which old favourite will be making an airing? Along with my Nicholas Knightly number, I’ll be wearing my on-trend cashmere camel coat, which a very good and very stylish friend gave to me. Which a/w shows really inspired you? I adored the glamour of the Giorgio Armani, Costume National, Luca Luca
Alex at a Selfri dges fashion show
and Vivienne Westwood shows. I can’t wait to get my red ‘lippy’ out and vamp it up. But I also loved the other side of the extreme which the MAC make-up artist Terry Barber called the Tilda Swinton effect. The totally nude, minimalist look was seen on the catwalks of Missoni, Marni, Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo. Any tips on looking great on a budget? With stores like Primark, Peacocks and even supermarkets doing fantastic designer spin offs, we can all look like we’ve just stepped off the catwalk. But I’m a big fan of ‘swishing’ – getting all your friends together for a clothes swapping session. One woman’s trash is another’s treasure. Give it a go – you save money, save the planet and have a party to boot.
Get styling and beauty advice from Alex at Take Two Styling School. Log on to www.taketwostyleschool.biz
RETAIL
country living model wears outfit from House of Fraser
<< Tweed blazer, £299, Elegance Tweed oversized brooch, £14, Freedom at Topshop >>
<< Fair-trade pheasant, £37, Velvet Brown
THE GREAT OUTDOORS From Dior to DKNY - everyone’s embracing countryside chic with tweeds, shearling and sensible footwear. ^ Wicker trug, £12.95, toysandinteriors.co.uk
Stag cushion, £12.99, Dunelm Mill >>
<< Original Hunter wellies, £60, garden4less.co.uk
INSIDE & OUT
collection 2010
STEALING BEAUTY COPY THE LOOK The Charleston Curl (opposite) This chic blow dry by Headmasters looks expensive without being too polished. Using a traditional pin curl set gives this style a retro hint. Hair is blown out into a strong bob and pinned up. The hair is then brushed into a wave, making sure the ends are curled. Hair accessories like those from Marc by Marc Jacobs look amazing with this style. The hair is held using L’Oreal’s Techni.Art Air Fix.
From Mad Men hair to glossy red lips, beauty guru Katie Martin shares her tips for the autumn.
1. Luscious Lips Full, glossy lips dominated the autumn/ winter catwalks. Achieve the same seductive look by applying a vampish red lipstick under Transformulas’ LipVolume. Not only will this cult product naturally enlarge the size of your lips but it’ll also hydrate them for an on-trend, moisture rich pout. It can also be used as a collagen boosting treatment.
2. Lady-like Hair Coiffed, retro styles look great this season with Mad Men like dresses. Whether you choose a ‘helmet’ or a beehive - the secret is in the backcombing.
3. Skin Perfect skin is still in. So, ditch the heavy foundation and ensure your complexion looks young, dewy and delicious by drinking plenty of water and following a rigorous skin regime with Transformulas’ AGELESS Luxury MidLife range and the brand’s latest miracle worker Hydration Gold. Containing real gold powder, it’s anti-ageing and hydrating - but best
of all it offers a subtle shimmer. I use it to illuminate my best features.
4. Neutral nails The hottest hue for nails at the moment is ‘greige’ and cashmink’.
6. Oranges When it comes to perfume, oranges are the only fruit. The sweet citrus note is everywhere at the moment - from Marc Jacobs’ new Biscotti Splash to Dior’s Escale Aux Marquises.
7. Cosmeceuticals Transformulas has been ahead of the game when it comes to products that marry cosmetics with pharmaceuticals. Now everyone’s raving about ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin. But Transformulas is still leading the way with affordable, semi permanent treatments.
YOU’RE WORTH IT Good grooming isn’t a chore or a luxury but a route to self-respect, discovers Penny Fray. It may be just me or is looking polished a real chore? In my mind the very word ‘grooming’ conjures up images of those high maintenance types who spend half their lives in a spa or salon. Whereas I’m the kind of girl who usually runs out of the house in the morning with wild hair, chipped nail varnish and mascara smudged cheeks. It wasn’t always the way though. Before settling down and having 2.1 dogs I used to pluck, pummel and smooth as much as any of my glossier sisters. I looked as though I mattered. But somewhere down the line, other people came first and I became one of those women I used to tut in the supermarket for letting go of themselves. And that’s the crux of the issue. Not making the effort is like saying I don’t matter anymore. “Grooming really is a form of selfhelp,” says Rosi Chapman, the owner of Transformulas. “If you look good, you’ll feel good. It may be a cliche but it’s true. Glowing skin, shiny
hair and a sparkling smile says to the world I’m confident, in control and not just stumbling through life.” When the going gets tough, the tough hit the vanity case. I mean, look at the likes of Liz Hurly, Victoria Beckham and even Cheryl Cole. When emotional storms rumble through their lives they weather them with six inch heels and a made up face. Of course, it takes an army of experts and a big budget to make the average celebrity look picture perfect 24/7. But that doesn’t give mere mortals like us a get out clause. According to Rosi, good presentation doesn’t have to require oodles of cash and a complete life overhaul. “Having been a working mother juggling all sorts of balls I know it’s not possible to look pristine all the time but a little beauty awareness is possible. It’s about taking up a routine - finding five minutes to cleanse, tone and moisturise and building in some ‘me’ time into the diary. It’s not hard. It doesn’t have to be expensive. But it’s essential. When you feel like life’s spiraling out of control, you could do a lot worse than finding a few seconds to put on some lipstick and smile.” Here’s a guide to simple grooming: Step 1. The secret to time efficient beauty starts with a good base. A healthy complexion means drinking plenty of water, eating well and having a basic skin-care routine. Transformulas’ face products are a great place to start as they give instant results, semi-permanent effects and long term benefits -
meaning you look two coats of natural radiant both now and in looking polish. Avoid the future. darker shades unless you’re confident that Step 2. A fake tan is a you’ll keep them chip great way to perk up free. Finally, be your appearance, patient and let them especially if you don’t dry. usually bother with make-up. Try a gradual Step 5. Fabulous hair tanning product that doesn’t require a builds up colour over stylist on speed dial. time or for a more As with skin, you need subtle glow - use to look after it by Transformulas’ eating well, having Hydration Gold. It’s sufficient sleep, hydrating and antidrinking enough water ageing. and keeping it clean. Get your hairdresser to Step 3. Smile. It gives style your hair the impression of according to your youth, beauty and lifestyle. If you have happiness. Get rid of no time to get your grubby, stained teeth roots done every four with Transformulas’ or so weeks, be honest Professional White and ask for a low ‘Stainless’ Teeth maintenance ‘do’ Whitener. It’s easy and instead. If it’s a quick to use and matter of budget, check whitens your teeth by out your nearest hair several shades. For a college. They do most fuller, sexier pout, things a professional invest in a tube of salon would for a Transformulas’ fraction of the price. LipVolume - it’s a All the students are balm, gloss and lip supervised by experts plumper in one. and they often use quality products. Step 4. Nicer nails. If you don’t have the time Step 6. Get pampered. or funds for regular Looking good isn’t just manicures, do it about the superficial yourself. It only takes stuff. It’s also about five minutes. Simply feeling good. Indulge trim and file them into in an aromatherapy shape. Rub some oil or bath. Enjoy a massage. cream into the cuticles If your other half and soak them in warm won’t oblige, book a water for about a professional. Most spas minute. Once dried, offer some great gently push the discounts. Check out cuticles back with a sale sites like Last manicure stick. Once Minute or City Deals the nails are clean, for details. apply a base coat and
TRIED & TESTED
Transformulas LipVolume, £25.50, available from www.transformulas.com
This award winning product promised a fuller pout with the added benefits of being hydrating and anti ageing. And it certainly delivered on the volume front. Despite using it as a gloss rather than a treatment, my lips instantly felt softer and looked bigger - not that they were thin to begin with. I tried the peppermint flavour, which tasted really refreshing and didn’t sting like other well known lip volumising brands I’ve tried in the past. This is definately a cult product that I loathe to share with others but in the interest of good journalism I must.
BEAUTY Q&AS
With Rosi Chapman, owner of Transformulas Beauty WITHOUT Surgery.
Q
I’ve always had a clear complexion - even during my teenage years but recently I’ve been plagued by problem skin. I’m in my early thirties and find most anti bacterial products really drying and generally unappealing. Can you recommend anything? My diet isn’t great but I drink lots of water and always remove make-up with face wipes. Angela, Merseyside.
A
Most people are amazed to find themselves suffering from spots beyond their 18th birthday. But problem skin can continue throughout adulthood. A combination of hormonal activity, bacteria build up and dead cells being shed causes spots. You can prevent them by establishing a proper skincare routine. Face wipes don’t really count. Try Transformulas Ageless Luxury MidLife collection instead. The Daily Glycol Cleanser gets rid of dirt, debris and make up for a smooth, spot free complexion, while our Skin Cell Tonic further purifies the skin. I always recommend applying some Skin Cell Support Serum under the collection’s Marine Miracle Crème for added vitamins and hydration. Not only will this four step regime help clear your complexion but it will also protect it from the ravages of time. But be patient. It could take up to a month for blemishes to completely disappear. In the meantime, try a great anti-bacterial concealer which disguises the redness.
Q
Is there anything I can do to reduce the bags and unsightly dark circles under my eyes? I tend to work hard and play even harder. But getting older doesn’t help. Liz Jones, N Wales.
A
The problem is the skin underneath your eyes is so thin that the blood vessels below can show up when you’re over doing it. You can strengthen and lighten this delicate skin area with Transformulas’ Eye Lightening Serum. It features nano technology - an advanced way of de-ageing the delicate eye area and visibly improving skin tone and texture. The result? Younger, brighter looking eyes. Our EyeLifting Gel is great for ageing skin. It firms and lifts the skin while combating wrinkles. Also, why don’t you try Transformulas Ageless Beauty Wrinkle Defence Face Mask and Eye Patch Kit? This intense two in one facial treatment replenishes, restores and rejuvenates the skin - all for less than a tenner.
If you have any questions for our expert, please e-mail rosi@transformulas.com
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Burlesque belle Kitten de Ville reveals the secrets of staying sexy, slim and serene. What’s your outlook on life? Life is easy and will flow the way it’s meant to. It’s only when you try to move against it or are too afraid to be who you are that it gets hard. What inspires you? I have such a diverse taste in everything. I never limit myself and I do not believe that because you love one thing you have to hate something else. I stay very open and Kitten will be appearing at St George’s passionate towards life, so Hall, Liverpool on October I find inspiration every 31 For tickets and more where. My two favorite details see things are reading and www.martini-lounge.net music. What are your best beauty secrets? Sleep. Pin curls. Red lipstick How do you keep healthy? I don’t smoke. I walk or ride my bike everywhere within three miles of my house and and I go to pilate classes whenever I
Lace corset, £35, Marks & Spencer Fleurs d’Oranger, £65 from SpaceNK
can fit it into my schedule. I also garden and generally would rather be out doing something then just sitting around. I usually follow a vegetarian diet of organic foods but it’s not always possible on tour, but I do my best not to eat from fast food places. Where do you get your fabulous corsets and costumes from? I make my own costumes but Sue Nice from Los Angeles makes all my corsets. I buy my vintage gowns from a secret vendor. What’s your signature fragrance? Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger. How to be glamorous? Be strong, self-confident and gracious. Style your hair and wear red lipstick with a smile.
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick, £21.50,
TAROTSCOPE
Your forecast for July to August from The House of Good Fortune ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
now you’re starting to
You’re feeling a little
enjoy the fruits of your
bruised and battered after labour. a long fought battle with an ambitious air sign,
VIRGO (Aug 24-Sep 23)
says the two of swords.
You need to slow down
It’s time to walk away or
and take better care of
risk a humiliating defeat. your health, says the empress card. Eat well TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21)
and try to de-stress.
You’ve been wrongly
This isn’t the time to
accused of being underhand burn the candle at both
and re-focus on what you
at work and you’re reeling ends.
really want.
with anger, says the reversed justice card.
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Don’t worry. Your name
You have the Midas
will be cleared.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20) You need to realise
touch in October, says the your potential, says the magician card. Your star card. The universe
GEMINI (May 22-Jun 21)
supports your plans and
You can’t help
financial success is
business sense matched with the goat’s gritty
wondering whether you’re
finally yours for the
determination will take
on the right career path
taking. Hooray!
you far in early October.
at the moment, says the hermit card. All will soon
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
be revealed.
Competition is a necessary part of life.
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 23)
AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) You’re in a position of strength at home but a
But beware it doesn’t turn moment of indecision may throw you off balance, nasty as you take it too
Beware of taking advantage of a fire sign’s seriously, says the five kindness, says the
of wands. A fire sign
says the three of wands. September also foretells
reversed queen of wands.
relative will be shocked
of pregnancy.
They won’t react well to
by your bad attitude. PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
your constant and unreasonable demands.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Feel like life is
LEO (Jul 24-Aug 23) Life is good at the moment, says the four of wands. The foundations of success have been laid and
Don’t allow a work bully to humiliate you
passing you by? The two of into taking a secondary role, says the five of wands tells you to plan a winter adventure. It’ll help you clear your mind
swords. Stand your ground. You deserve any successes that come your way.
HOME
home improvements wallpaper from Love Eco
NEW SEASON STYLE Make a statement with anything blue, bold or beautiful, says interiors expert Julie Kerner
Must-have item? Space. Customised wall systems make great storage solutions and they can be tailored to your needs with different shelves, drawers, and doors.
Julie
-Conc from Bo Kerner
ches ept Man
ter
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new this season? Inky blues are the way to go for wall colours - anything from a vintage blue to a dark sapphire hue teamed with large print textiles or hand embroidered fabrics. Mixing old with new is also on trend.
Print lampshade from Hunky Dory Home
Easy update? As the days get shorter, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ideal time to take a look at lighting. Light brings ambience to a home so it is crucial to choose the right fitting. Big statement pieces are hot. These can vary from big pendants in luxury fabrics to an industrial finish.
Tips on improving without moving? When looking at transforming a room, look at the wall colours first. Painting just one wall can change the whole vibe of a room. The next step is to look at the textiles. Existing furnishings can be transformed by a flash of colour or by introducing interesting textures. Also, consider statement furniture. The perfect sofa, for instance, can also bring a whole new focus to a room. Our furniture designs are based on modularity and functionality giving individuals a real chance to tailor their room to their own specification.
make a style statement with this chair from Bo-Concept
JUST COOK
INGREDIENTS Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 Cooking time: 25 600g (1lb 6oz) large waxy potatoes, eg Charlotte, peeled 1 large leek, trimmed 5-6 tbsp Filippo Berio Mild & Light Olive Oil 1 egg, beaten 1 tbsp plain flour salt and pepper
Potato & Leek Rosti
Leave the potatoes whole and boil for 5 minutes.
Add the egg and seasoning, and mix well.
Meanwhile, finely slice the leek and wash to remove any grit. Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan, add the drained leek and cook 2-3 minutes to soften, turn into a large bowl.
Re-heat the frying pan, add 3 tablespoons of the oil, then drop tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening to even rounds. Cook over a moderate heat for 4-5 minutes until the underside is deep golden brown, carefully turn the rosti and cook again until browned. Lift out of the pan and keep warm while cooking the rest of the mixture, adding more olive oil as needed.
Drain the potatoes, rinse in cold water and drain again. Coarsely grate into the bowl, being careful with your fingers. Add the flour and toss with the leeks.
Autumn Trend Wild Food Foraging
Whether it’s for blackberries or mushrooms, there is no doubt that wild food is back in vogue. But rather than paying silly prices in designer farm shops, pick your own for ‘nowt’. A great book on the subject is Richard Mabey’s pocket sized Food For Free.
WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON kim cattrall as cleopatra image from the film Sex and the City 2
AGENT PROVOCATEUR Liverpool Journalist Paul Kennedy speaks about his shocking new novel. The Carpet King of Texas is clearly not something for the faint-hearted. It’s risque yet real and already being compared to Trainspotting the gritty Irvine Welsh novel about heroin addicts in Scotland. Author Paul Kennedy, originally from Merseyside, says he's drawn on personal experience from his time as a journalist for both regional and national newspapers to create the characters and plot for his debut novel. "What really is most shocking about the whole book is that these things go on," says Paul, 37. "It's from a world we all live in but rarely see." The novel tells of three different lives that come crashing together with disastrous consequences. Away on business, larger than life businessman Dirk McVee comes to Liverpool for a conference - but work is the last thing on his mind as he prowls the city's underbelly to quench his thirst for sexual kicks. Jade Thompson is the pretty but impressionable teenager in search of a guiding light in her life and John FILM EAT, PRAY, LOVE September 24, cinemas nationwide Calling all women in a thrisis (thirty-something crisis) - Elizabeth Gilbert’s cult book is now on the big screen. Follow the author’s enlightening journey as she discovers the pleasureS of foodOct in Italy, the power of prayer in India, and the bliss of true love in Bali. The ultimate chick flick with a spiritual twist.
Jones Junior is the heroin-ravaged youngster with no hope and no chance at all. "It all sounds a little bit grim and depressing," admits Paul, "But it is very, very funny and the feedback I've had has been amazing. "Sex and drugs, particularly cocaine, are prevalent and major themes throughout the book, but sex and drugs are prevalent throughout society. "Originally I wanted to write a screenplay, and people have told me it's very cinematic, so who knows? Maybe one day it could become a movie." The Carpet King of Texas is published by Empire Publications and will be released this month.
on What’s ct Sep/O
BOOK
THEATRE
MUSIC
EVENT
COCO CHANEL BY JUSTINE PICARDIE £25
ANTONY & CLEOPATRA Oct 8 - Nov 13, Liverpool Playhouse.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS October 14, Manchester Apollo.
LIVERPOOL BIENNIAL Sep 18 - Nov 28, venues vary
Being Welsh, I reserve the right to plug one of our own. The gig follows the release of their new album Postcards From A Young Man.
Don’t miss one of Europe’s largest and most exciting contemporary art events. This year’s theme includes Human Stain.
Beautifully illustrated, and impeccably written, this full biography is a must-buy for anyone who loves fashion.
It’s the play we’ve all been waiting for. Kim Cattrall and Jeffery Kissoon take the title roles in this epic tragedy.
TRAVEL
destination brazil
JUNGLE FEVER Jane Thomas experiences the natural wonders of sun soaked Brazil. Still haven’t decided where to go on vacation this season? Here’s an option you probably haven’t considered: Brazil. I mean where else are you going to find jungles, tropical islands, buzzing beaches and throngs of would-be models at every turn? Sprawling across half of South America, it’s captivated tourists for centuries. The only drawbacks are that it’s far and not exactly cheap. We saved some money by travelling Air France via Paris, connecting straight from Salvador to Ilheus. It involved 24 hours of flying but it was worth the DVT pain and jet lag. The drive up the Atlantic coast out into the jungle towards Itacare was truly breathtaking. The air was fresh and the people cherry. Our arrival at Jungle Lodge (www.artjungle.org) – our eco retreat made us forget the cold weather at home. Set in acres of Atlantic rainforest, Art Jungle Lodge is a Brazilian NGO scheme set up to not only to provide employment for locals but also to ensure the survival of a significant stretch of rainforest. We stayed in a large tree house,
featuring hammocks and an open air shower. But rustic didn’t mean Christ crusty. There was a great swimming the Redeemer pool overlooking looking over the the river, acres amazing Rio de of tropical delights to walk Janeiro through and even eight rooms the daily room service attention to detail delivered in a cool box. was evident - from the Breakfast was a simple tropical fare served on roof-top pool to the eat the veranda of the main any-time, any-where house. Our hosts were a breakfasts. The staff delightful French family were extremely friendly and even helped us plan who were passionate about their work and did an independent trip to the Ronaldinho Christmas everything to make us feel part of their green football match at the stadium. After visiting dream. We left the jungle only various museums and once and that was to be galleries during the punted down the river to day, our evenings were spent wandering around a picture perfect the streets listening to waterfall. The the al fresco music. atmosphere was relaxed Stumbling across and regenerative. practicing samba bands Our next stop was Afro Beat capital - Salvador. and Capoeira dance troops meant every night As we were only on vacation for three weeks was slightly different. The restaurants were we travelled between great and plentiful – places using the local possibly the best steaks airline GOL known to mankind were (www.voegol.com.br), found in the which proved surprisingly reasonable churrascarias. We only sampled a and reliable. The city fraction of Brazil’s was noisy yet soul stirring. We stayed in a innumerable charms but it was enough to small boutique hotel called Casadoamarelindo convince us that coming back was compulsory. in the old town of Pelourinho. With only
WORK
dream team
IT’S GOOD TO SHARE
An economic crisis and a feeling that we’ve lost our way have made mentors the hottest work accessories around, says Penny Fray. Workin’ nine to five is a way to make a livin’. No offense, Dolly, but these days it’s more like seven to midnight, and most of us are still struggling to find success. No wonder mentors are being hailed the gurus du jour. In a report recently commissioned by the Prince’s Trust, more than half of those questioned said they wanted to see more female role models. During tough times, with redundancies rife among 18-40 year-olds, we need powerful women in business to lead the way more than ever. And there’s no shortage of volunteers with everyone from Mary Portas to Elle Macpherson willing to share their personal experiences and professional expertise. On a local level, there are several mentoring schemes, including the one run by Elaine Owen, MD of Designated Associates and UK Business Mentor of the Year. “Mentoring has been around for donkeys years - think of Homer’s epic poem where the original mentor was a friend and adviser of Telemachus, Odysseus’
son,” she says. “I think it’s become popular again because people can see the value of insight. It’s also a fast track form of learning.” Sarah Brown, the former Prime Minister’s wife and supporter of Marie Claire’s new mentoring campaign, said that when she ran her own business, it was other women who were her greatest supporters, inspirations and most constructive critics. “That expert unconditional support makes the difference,” she says. It’s not a one sided affair though. Advisors also benefit from the deal. “I’ve personally gained a great sense of satisfaction in giving something back,” explains Elaine. “I haven’t got millions of pounds to give away but what I can give in terms of advice is invaluable. I’ve also gained from the experience, particularly in my own leadership style. The questions asked often get the grey matter working. Thinking about something fresh is exciting.” So what are the criteria for being a
WORKING IT!
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So what are the criteria for being a mentor and mentoree? “Both parties need to be willing to be open, honest and ready to share,” says Elaine. They need to listen and give feedback. A mentor should be a source of learning, so experience and credibility are essential as are trust and confidentiality. But most importantly of all, both parties should WANT to enter into the relationship.”
passionate about a product or service is essential. I believe in all of our products. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t sell them. Integrity builds trust and longevity.
Rosi Chapman, the founder of Transformulas, shares some of the secrets to her success.
Having a great idea is one thing, branding another, but neither matter if they’re not accompanied by sheer, dogged persistence.
1. Passion Nearly every success story ever published tells us that being
Passion,
2. Intuition people and My sixth sense has persistence always kept me matter. ahead of the pack something that’s why I always great is listen to it. I was attention to detail. driving cosmeceuticals Never underestimate the before all the big importance of even the brands jumped on the smallest cog in a big bandwagon. machine. Everything matters. 3. Persistence
4. Attention to detail The difference between something good and
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5. Finding the right people. A positive attitude is enormously important but without the right skills, you’re limited. If you can’t do it, find someone who can.
BACK FEATURE
back to school model wears outfit from Republic
LEARN, BABY, LEARN
Forget the latest ‘it’ bag. These days, it’s what you know that counts, says Penny Fray. They say that you learn something new every day. Why,just yesterday you read that George Clooney sometimes sleeps in the walk-in closet of his LA mansion because all the bedrooms are too light. Up your learning curve by attending one of the many cool classes popping up in a bar, bistro or boutique near you. Yup, the once fusty world of academia has undergone a makeover. You can now learn how to write novels at Ness Gardens or enjoy French lessons at Brew. Books have become a little less bookish and history programmes have never been hotter. For a jaded generation of thirtysomethings, learning is filling the slot once occupied by shopping, clubbing and reality television. “The benefits of continuing education are numerous,” says Dr Anne Merry, Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Liverpool. “It’s about improving your skills, gaining confidence, adding value to your CV, keeping your brain active, gaining a qualification, making new friends, and enjoying yourself.” The University has over 3000 adults on its Continuing Education courses. “Many older learners use the classes to keep
their brains active and come back year after year,” explains Dr Merry. “Some of our students have little formal education and are trying out short courses as a way back into learning. Others have degrees but are gaining new skills to add to their CV. All share a love of learning.” Popular courses include languages, including Mandarin and Russian. “Students want to brush up their language skills for holidays, learn more about countries which interest them, or simply improve their CV. Also driven by television programmes, are courses in archaeology, art and history.“ For most, no formal qualifications are needed, just an interest in the subject and a willingness to learn. Each course has defined learning outcomes and the achievement of these is assessed and recognised. “Students can accumulate the credit for their courses and, at 120 credits, will get a Certificate in Higher Education from the University,” concludes Dr Merry. Watch Out For Our 60 Second Classes Starting In The November Edition.
COOL CLASSES Want to start an evening class or a short course this year? If you don't know what's available, these organisations will help you: UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL Find out more about local continuing education courses with an open day on September 2. For more information, visit their website. www.liv.ac.uk/conted/
HOT COURSES Find courses and reviews with the UK's largest course finder listing over a million courses. www.hotcourses.com
SCHOOL OF EVERYTHING Find local teachers, lessons and classes in all subjects, from mandarin to guitar lessons. www.schoolofeverything.co.uk
CAREERS ADVICE Search for hundreds of courses online or call 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser about your learning needs. http:// careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/
OPEN UNIVERSITY Search a database of more than 570 courses, degrees, diplomas and qualifications from the UK's largest university for parttime higher education. www3.open.ac.uk/study/