Livechic.co.uk

As I've been working hard on my craft ideas and inspirations, I came across livechic.co.uk.  This new gift website struck me as being something rather special, so I got in touch with owner Rebecca Piper to discuss why it was created, why is it a unique business and how she is attracting customers...

"Well as huge fans of unique gift ideas, we just love the amazing work that small British designers offer. There are so many great and talented businesses out there that have amazing products but they are often hard to find without spending hours trawling the net. So we decided to create a website and put our money and time in to developing a place where we can bring all these small businesses together for others to enjoy... 

"We wanted to offer this exclusively for women so designed a site which is attractive and easy to use and full of vintage inspired, shabby chic style gifts and home ware ideas we know women would love! Made for women by women!

"We are working hard to build a social network with our suppliers and with our customers to raise awareness of the brand, investing in marketing and advertising through social sites and Google. We have a seo specialist working with us as part of the Live Chic team so we have a secret weapon on our side!  Most importantly we want to interact and listen to what our customers like and what they want so we can make the site a place they want to keep coming back to. It will be updated regularly with new products and we will be running regular discounts and giveaways through the site and our social platforms."

You can read more about the story here: http://www.livechic.co.uk/the-live-chic-story/

Interview with Ani Saunders

Today I have an interview for you with fabulous fashionista, artist and singer, Ani Saunders.  I pumped her for information on her style inspiration and fashion tips...

1.       Describe your personal style.

I'm forever refining my wardrobe. It's true what they say; out with the old, in with the new. I would say that I'm quite experimental, though my curiosity generally lies in textures an fabrics rather than colour and shape. I rarely wear tight-fitting clothing and generally drown myself in over-sized, boyish shapes.

2.       Who is your style icon?

Coco Chanel without a shaddow of a doubt. Effortless glamour and timeless. Though my aim is perhaps to portray "effortless glamour" it then seems quite ironic that in reality, I put quite a lot of effort into it. Darn!

3.       What inspires you when putting an outfit together?

It depends on quite a few factors; my mood, the weather, where I'm going etc. Before I go to sleep at night I may see an item of clothing from the corner of my eye and decide that I'm going to build an outfit around it in the morning. Often not, so the outfit generally compromises of early morning manic panics and messy hair.

4.       What are your favourite ways of accessorising an outfit?

I usually only accessorise  when I'm wearing a simple outfit. I don't like too much clutter and I prefer when there's a focal point. At the moment I'm constantly wearing a very large and chunky necklace and so my outfits (though quite textured) are generally quite simple with a minimal amount of colour.

5.       What would you advise someone who is looking to change their style?

The best way of changing your style and to make it convincing is to find a muse. When I'm feeling uninspired and "stylistically-challened" I tend to refer back to my muse which of course is Coco Chanel. That's when the stripes and boyish trousers come back out. Now you know.

Follow Ani for her latest updates at http://www.s4c.co.uk/tag/c_ffasiwn.shtml, http://thelovelywars.com/ and https://twitter.com/TheLovelyWars

Liverpool

I am just back from a two night stay in Liverpool and wanted to share the joy of my trip.  It was my dad's 60th birthday and he loved every minute, every meal, every present.  The moment we arrived was priceless - Dad didn't know he would be joined by me and my boyfriend on this trip, and when we pulled up by his car in front of the hotel, it took his brain several seconds to register what was happening!

We stayed in the Adelphi Hotel, where we've stayed a few times before.  It's in a great location and has a history connected to the Titanic. We were staying in suites, and although the decor of the hotel was a little out of date, the rooms were large and airy and we had such a nice stay.

Then, for pleasure, we went shopping and enjoyed a meal in Bella Italia and a drink in the hotel bar.  The next day we went to Albert Dock, for a refreshing walk and to wander around the shops.  Later we stopped for lunch at the only Beatles themed hotel in the world, the Hard Day's Night Hotel.  We had some lovely sandwiches and mini cakes, very afternoon tea!  We were tired after walking so much in the sun, so next up was a Beatles taxi tour.

I hadn't expected it to be so fab!  We went to locations which we would never have found on their own, or know their significance; the colleges the Beatles attended, their childhood homes, where John and Paul met... For someone who knows a relative amount of Beatles history, I learnt some new facts, and I was struck by the humble beginnings of these young men who shaped music history.  In particular, the innocuous church hall where John and Paul were first introduced!

Later, we went for a bit of pub grub and then on to the Cavern to enjoy the atmosphere and live music.  Yes, a Beatles themed day, but it was my dad's birthday and he's a big fan.

Next morning before heading off, we had a look around the St George's Hall exhibition and civic buildings.  A lovely way to finish our trip.

Looking forward to going away for my boyfriend's birthday and our holiday now!

An introduction to Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust

Today it is my absolute pleasure to share with you this article about a very special cause and a very special lady and her beautiful daughter....

 

Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust was set up after the death of 14 year old Ellie Othick-Bowmaker.

At just 11 years old, Scarborough girl Ellie was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, and expected to live no more than 6 months. Ellie fought for 3 years, and during that time raised over £25 000, which she donated to charities close to her heart. She inspired many people to join in. Sadly, Ellie’s battle ended in February 2010.

We always knew that the fundraising would continue. It did almost straightaway, and a few months later Shaun Tymon and Tina Boden approached Ellie’s mum Heather and her husband Jason to offer their help. Tina, Jason and Shaun are now Trustees and Heather is Chair of the charity.

Ellie’s Fund - Brain Tumour Trust recognises that life is turned completely upside down when you or a family member is diagnosed with a brain tumour, and whilst we would like to offer a complete support package, we are only a small charity. We decided that our efforts would be best put to supporting the brain tumour research laboratory in Leeds; the Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine, which was opened in February 2011, and to supporting children across Yorkshire and Humberside who are going through treatment for a brain tumour, as well as working to increase brain tumour awareness. If you would like to know more about what we do our website address is www.elliesfund.com

Since March 2010 Ellie’s Fund Brain Tumour Trust has raised over £110 000. From this we have sent grants to 31 children from across the whole of Yorkshire, including Scarborough, York, Malton, Kirkbymoorside, Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford & Sheffield, and have sent nearly £40 000 to the research lab and £2400 towards the cost of refurbishing the children's neurosurgical ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

If you’d like to help improve the outcomes for brain tumour patients by organising your own fund-raising events, we would very much appreciate your support, and you can find a helpful fund-raiser’s pack on our website. Thanks so much for helping us to make a difference.

Did you know that:

• Brain tumours are now the biggest cancer killer of children and people under 40 in the UK.

 

• There are 16 000 new cases diagnosed every year. Of these, 85% will succumb within 5 years of diagnosis

• Shockingly, 65% more women die from a brain tumour each year than from cervical cancer.

 

• Brain tumour research receives less than 1% (0.7%) of cancer research spending in the UK

 

• Adults and children who do survive are left with side effects that affect them for the rest of their lives.

‘We’, the brain tumour community, are asking MPs to discuss brain tumour funding in the House of Commons. There is a petition that you can sign to support us; started by the late Bill Tarmey aka Jack Duckworth from Coronation Street. His son has also been diagnosed with a brain tumour. We have until June 2013 to collect 100 000 signatures, and we might stand a chance of making a change to these statistics. So please do sign the petition and ask all your family and friends to as well. Thank you.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/35167

Charity event in aid of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity

To celebrate my nomination at the Women Inspiring Women Awards, I thought it would be a nice gesture to hold a charity event.  So on 25th July, in Village Kitchen Bar in Whitchurch, Cardiff, I will be hosting a drinks reception.

There will be jewellery, books and cards for sale, and a raffle with lovely prizes to be won.  The ticket price is £10.00 per person, which includes a drinks package.  I will be speaking about my time at the Awards ceremony, and my exciting writing and speaking plans...

For tickets and enquiries, please contact me on lilacchicstyle@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!

Interview with Deborah Roberts Stylist

Here at Lilac Chic we love fashion, and today I have an interview with a fashion stylist, Deborah Roberts.  Here's her advice on looking fab next season...

What made you set up your own business?
Both my parents own their Businesses. I grew up surrounded by Business, our dining room table was the boardroom so I always knew I had choices from a very early age.

Who is your style icon?
Absolutely Sarah-Jessica Parker she's a true example of a woman with Style !

What are your tips for hot trends for AW13?
Has to be Dresses I am absolutely loving the fabric mixing coming through from soft fine silk to heavy suede and knitwear. Gone are the days of separate wardrobes for every occasion. Life is an occasion and we deserve to dress for it ladies so it's all about how to wear those dresses with the change of weather later in the year, lets be hot and practical it is possible!

Team a silk or satin dress, knitted cardigan belted at the waist with a wide leather belt. Have a great range of tights for these I'd buy from a specialist store rather than a general retailer, it will be a few pounds more and it will last much much longer for you to enjoy plus you'll avoid the irritated tight skin thing many of us have experienced.

Make sure you have some great leather or suede boots. This is absolutely worth investing in for the season they will work with many looks, dresses, skirts, jeans and leggings in your wardrobe.
If you buy high quality boots, personally I love the Italian designers, they will last much much longer over multiple seasons in all weather. Anything above £170 if you don't have the budget for this that's okay, lower price ones do last however they may start to leak in the rain as the glue dissolves on the sole, leading to soggy feet. In this case I would go for a wedged pair so that when the ground is cold or wet your feet stay dry and cosy. Fit flop are the best alternative to UGG. Similar price point however much better for your feet and back, tried and tested by the royal we of course! Again it's an investment piece and so so worth it long term.

Accessories with snoods this year make sure you have a couple you can double layer on the colder days and snoods are genius emergency hair protection if you get caught in un-expected rain.

Finally big earrings. Get some gorgeous and fab earrings to wear all day and all night these will look super hot under your wooly hats and you will feel so much shinier and smiley through the darker winter months.

Please feel free to post me your fashion questions on my FB page: Deborah Roberts Stylist. I would simply love to see pictures of your outfit creations and help you with any specific fashion dilemmas you may be experiencing in your wardrobes. Whatever you do enjoy it!

So let's get creative ladies!  I can't wait to try the snood trend.  Please share your outfit posts here and on Deborah's page.  Can't wait to see how you get on!

Women Inspiring Women Awards

I had a truly remarkable weekend at a beautiful, and indeed life changing, event. The Women Inspiring Women Awards was everything I'd hoped for and more.

 It was such a delight to have been shortlisted for the awards, and to be there in person to be a part of the excitement.  The room was so feminine and light, I couldn't wait to get started.  Every nominee and winner had a unique and fabulous story, which filled me with va va voom!

 How amazing to be a part of a group of dynamic, inspiring women who make me feel I can achieve all my dreams... that is a truly priceless feeling.  I am riding on such a high ever since the awards, and this is going to profoundly affect my business and blog.  I can't wait for you to be a part of it.  The members of Damsels in Success (the sponsors of the awards) have led me to creative workshops, book writing courses, healthy lifestyle plans...but most of all, a community of feminine love and support.

I felt like a princess in this dress, and I plan to feel like that every day :-)