Sir Charlie Stinky Socks

I love books. I think it would be more sensible to borrow books from a library but there's just something about having my own collection. In recent years I have been focusing on children's books; we have seriously gone from nil to a small library. How do I justify this? Books are educational. And I plan on keeping them for my grandchildren!

One of our current favourites:

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson 
This is an exciting and slightly scary book (great for boys) about a brave little knight who comes across beasties, a dragon and a witch. He doesn't fight them, though, you see. He's got better methods, such as singing a lullaby, sharing sandwiches or offering a drink. 

Look inside...
Included are some huge flaps. 

Sure, it's an entertaining book, but what makes it even better is the CD. I think this is so well done, with fun music, great sound effects and it's read convincingly. As if that weren't enough, the CD also contains songs and games.

Love the name, too: Sir Charlie Stinky Socks!  

What exactly is "my personal yoga challenge"?

I should probably explain.

One of my current and hopefully long-term obsessions is to become a yoga believer. A yogi, I think they're called.

That sounds sort of negative, like I'm trying too hard. For a lot of people, they seem to be converts after the first attempt.

That makes me a bit nervous because I don't think it's clicked yet. For the record, I am a complete beginner. I've only just started Kundalini Yoga and what I can say is that I like it so far.

But it hasn't changed me or my life YET.

From what I've heard and read, yoga can heal and strengthen the body and mind. It is exercise, it can calm you down and make you into a better person. It apparently becomes a lifestyle, if you want to embrace it as such. It sounds too good to be true.

There are so many believers out there that there must be some truth to it!

So here's my mantra.

Be open-minded.
Don't give up.

MAC's Spring Colour Forecast 2 Blush Ombre

From the Spring Colour Forecast collection, this was the only face product that I felt I had to have... (the other one was the matching nail lacquer in Malibu Peach).

The Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach is a multi-toned blush in coral.

I swatched the colours separately first (the pale peach and darker pink), then swirled my finger around in it to get the pretty blossomy, sunset colour on the right. It looks really natural and fresh on my skin. Fab! Why do such great things have to be limited edition?

FASHION'S GOT HEART

Amidst the constant stream of celebs strutting down the catwalk for Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief show, nobody deserved their place in the line up more then Elite's very own Alizee Gaillard. After having spent most of her childhood in Haiti and with friends and family still living there, it seemed only right that Alizee was asked to take part in an event that would make a difference to a cause so close to her heart. We think she looks absolutely beautiful and almost outshines Miss Campbell herself in these exclusive backstage shots...it's that smile which make Alizee one of our top beauty girls!

SHES GOT STYLE!

Elite models are known for having fabulous personal style... we actually think most of them look as stylish running to castings as they do in the pages of magazines! EML winner Fei Fei Sun encapsulates cutting edge London street style (impressive for a non-Londoner!) when she was papped after the Christopher Kane show by Models.com wearing head to toe vintage.

Soon to be superstar Lizzy Burden always looks like she’s just stepped off the catwalk, even when popping in to the agency for a chat. When we quizzed her on her designer wardrobe we were surprised to find that she’s a bargin hunter... check out this amazing coat she found on London’s Brick Lane for teh princely sum of £10... now that’s street style at its best!

First review: Detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD

This is my first ever yoga DVD!

It's Kundalini Yoga to detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes.

What a relief that she wears a loose white outfit and not a horrid neck-to-ankle leotard that accentuates all the most unattractive curves. The background is also white: so simple, so pure. 

My very first thoughts: it's easy! No funny poses. The chants are not too silly. And I like the music - it's her own. It is soothing and you also get a CD with the DVD, which is an added bonus.

What I like most about this DVD so far:

1. I can do this in whatever clothes I am wearing that day. I've even done it in jeans, although I admit it wasn't that comfortable.

2. My body warms up when I do this but I don't sweat so I don't need to shower afterwards.

3. Most of the exercises are done sitting down, which seems wonderfully lazy.

I will report back regularly on my progress... 

ANASTASIJA'S FASHION WEEK ROUND UP

From Vogue cover girl to queen of the catwalk both sides of the pond, Anastasija Kondratjeva is a success story wherever she goes! Anastasija is rounding up a spectacular London show season having walked for Betty Jackson, Matthew Williamson and Nicole Farhi to name a few. Always a favourite with casting directors and with Milan next on the itinerary, this is set to be another amazing year for our girl.

Betty Jackson

Matthew Williamson

Nicole Farhi

Petit Bateau's disappointing spring 2010 collection

Every season, I usually find a couple of adorable kids' clothes at Petit Bateau. The striped cardigans, the reversible jumpers, trousers with a high waist and enforced knees...

But I am disappointed with their spring 2010 collection. Nothing interesting caught my eye. It all looked the same.

Have I seen too many stripes in recent years?

AN ELITE EXCLUSIVE!

A catwalk exclusive is always a major event so we were thrilled to be able to work with the fabulously talented Bora Aksu this season, supplying all 10 of the models for his Autumn/Winter 2010 show.

the finale

On the fashion front we loved the palette of neutral metallics and the combination of architectural silhouettes and proportions with pretty, delicate layers - and those shredded leggings are already being coveted by most of the booking desk (as well as the models themselves who had to be stopped from making off with them after the show!) and will definitely be seen in the Elite office!

Georgie Wass opens the show

But most of all we love the sight of our army of Bora beauties stalking down the catwalk in unison for the show finale – it’s an Elite takeover!

Helen McCusker

Special thanks to casting director Luke Foy for his support.

http://www.lukefoy.com/

Photos by Getty as seen on www.coutorture.com

Cupcakes...this season's must-have!

Christmas party cupcakes

We knew we were on to a good thing when hot pink elite cupcakes arrived for our elite Christmas party last year...especially since they somehow appeared on the front page of Topshop.com! With the launch of our Elite Model Look contest and fashion week fast approaching, The Artisan Cupcake company was first on our speed dial and look at the fabulous creations they came up with.

Hot pink icing, edible glitter (!) and EML logos make these the cutest fashion party canapés we’ve ever seen! So thank you cupcake friends... we insist you all get ordering fast and create your very own Elite-style tea party with the must-have edible accessory of the season.

Edible elite logo from cupcake on Bloggers Picks!

The Artisan Cupcake Company website

Fashion week/Look show EML mini cupcakes!

Detox and De-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD: The best quote

Sit with your legs stretched out together in front of you. Now grab the toes. Stay in that position and breathe.

Arrgh, it hurts. Not the least bit comfortable for a beginner like me.

And she says: "This exercise is deeply relaxing."

Yeah, right!

QUEEN VIV CROWNS EMILY!

Our Brit on-the-rise Emily Smith made her fashion week debut in style last night by opening for Vivienne Westwood... we're so proud! With an amazing Anya Hindmarch campaign coming soon and blistering out of blocks with her first editorials (Flavor, L'Officiel...) this is one English rose that looks set to bloom!

OLGA'S MARATHON SEASON

Aquascutum

When supermodel Olga Sherer touched down in London last week after a couture and NY season including Gaultier, Dior, Preen and Rodarte we knew that she was in for stellar season. In the 3 days Olga was with us she managed to fit in 9 shows, walking for the likes of Julien Macdonald, Todd Lynn and Matthew Williamson. Already en route to Milan to do looks for D&G, Olga is set to start racking up some serious editorials and campaigns following her incredible F/W season..fashion world take note!

Julien Macdonald

Todd Lynn

Kérastase haul: Nutritive & Noctogenist

I noticed last night that my shampoo bottle was (sort of) nearly empty so I, quite enthusiastically, went out to buy some more today! You know, I wanted a back up, just in case.

For about two years now I have been loyal to Kérastase. (Try as I might, I can never stay faithful to one make-up brand so that says something.)

I have tried green (for damaged hair), pink (for coloured hair), orange (for unruly hair) and blue (night treatment). I recently bought a hair treatment from the white Nutritive series - which by the way smells wonderful - and as a happy customer, I decided to go for a 'matching' shampoo.

This is what I got. The Bain Satin Dosage Gluco-Active 2: Complete Nutrition Shampoo.

It caught my eye because it was the only giant Kérastase product with a pump in the shop. So I decided it was good value, as you get (500 ml, which is) double the usual amount.

And then I went to pay.

Uh, not quite.

I conveniently remembered that I like leave-in treatments for during the day. And oh! look what happened to be on the shelf! The Nectar Thermique: Nourishing care with heat-styling protective agent.

And a little oomph for whilst we sleep, as well. The Noctogenist Sérum Nuit: Overnight Softening Treatment.

There's nothing like the promise of waking up to silky hair.

A NEW DYNASTY!

It's been a whirlwind fashion week so far, and we've been so excited at the progress of our fabulous Chinese girls Ming and FeiFei, who have been strutting up a storm down at Somerset House...

Ming for Hakan

Both girls were discovered through Elite Model Look and have already been racking up impressive careers - Fei Fei is the face of Shanghai Tang and has appeared on the cover of Vogue China and one of Ming's very first jobs was an exclusive trot down the Givenchy couture catwalk.

Fei Fei for Maria Grachvogel

And now they've excelled on their debut London seasons: Fei Fei's credits include Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood and a gorgeous look in the oh-so-elegant Maria Grachvogel collection, while Ming has racked up an unbelieveable 18 shows (gold star to her driver for making all of those! - ed) including PPQ, Matthew Williamson and Aquascutum - and we loved her Julien Macdonald look. Definitely ones to watch...

Ming for Juilen Macdonald

CHRISHELL HITS LFW

Amidst the madness of Fashion Week, Elite London is thrilled to welcome Chrishell Stubbs to the model family. This stunning half Caribbean beauty is already making a serious name for herself in the fashion industry and joins us in London following an outstanding show season in New York walking for the likes of Phillip Lim and Ralph Lauren. Not only that but she won the coveted title of Model of the Week on Models.com ( Chrishell on Models.com). Here’s hoping for a fabulous London show season!

Ralph Lauren F/W 2010

LONDON FASHION WEEK DAY ONE

Just as we expected Elite girls are already causing a storm on the London show circuit! Here are some of our favourites from London Fashion Week day one:

Barbora-Ashley Isham

Fei Fei-Maria Grachvogel

Ismini-Caroline Charles

Ming-Ashley Isham

WALK THIS WAY

With her eclectic rock chick style, eye for fashion find, and decidedly British sense of humour, California’s Cassandra Smith is one of our favourite adopted Londoners. And we’re not the only ones who rate her... after a busy holiday season including work for Tank, Grazia and a much admired Angel Jackson campaign shot by Tung Walsh, Cassandra is now building on the buzz from her appearance on Of the Minute (see the models.com story HERE) with a New York season including walks for Cynthia Steffe and Rachel Roy. After last season’s strutting for the likes of Vivenne Westwood here in London we’re looking forward to having her back this side of the pond.

Quote: Monkeys don't wear tights

My son was wearing tights under his trousers the other day.

(I wonder when he will start telling me that tights aren't cool and he'd rather freeze his ___ (fill in the blank) off than wear a pair.)

He likes to climb and is astoundingly strong - he can hold on by wrapping his limbs around me and I can wave my arms up in the air (a bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman: "Look, no hands!").

Me: "You're a monkey!"

My four-year old: "No. Monkeys don't wear tights."

He got me there. At least the last time we went to the zoo, there weren't any monkeys clad in tights.

LONDON FASHION WEEK: ONE DAY TO GO!

With a line up including some of the most sought after models around as well as a number of hot new faces we have the feeling Elite London is in for an epic show season! Models.com clearly agree...check out their fabulous write up of our steller show pack and watch those bookings come flooding in!

Elite London on Models.com

MAC's new mineralize compact foundation

This is MAC's newest foundation and I love it. It is creamy and my skin feels hydrated when I use this. It's ideal for travelling and I'm sure some people will find it less messy to apply than a liquid foundation.

It gives medium coverage: lighter than the Studio Sculpt (left) and more than the Face and Body (right). It also has SPF 15, which the Face and Body doesn't.

L to R: Studio Sculpt NC30, Mineralize NC30, Face and Body C4

It comes with a sponge but I would recommend using a brush. I think the 130 short duo fibre brush is fantastic and easy to use because the bristles are short and compact.

If you like the dewy look, you won't need to powder your face after applying this foundation. I personally prefer to powder my t-zone. I like to use the select sheer powder (and blot powder for touch ups) but you could use the Studio Fix powder, as well, to give you that extra bit of coverage.

BEAUTY-LICIOUS

Elite’s glossy and gorgeous girls have been busy sending inner green eyed monsters mad over their flowing manes and flawless skin, and Ivana’s campaign for Vichy is the latest in a stream of enviable beauty adverts that will have us trying a little bit harder with that elusive beauty sleep…

Gym? No way, thank you

I hate working out. Gym memberships are a waste of money (my record: one year of non-attendance). I don't like being around (other) sweaty people. And oh, the hassle of leaving the house, especially in winter when it's freezing outside.

So last year I bought some cardio workout DVDs. I quite liked them. For a while. Until I realised what a pain it was to have to do the following in the middle of the day:

1. change into a sports bra

2. shower

3. re-do my hair and make-up.

Of course, I tried to do it first thing in the morning. But I just can't get up any earlier than I really have to. And I can't do it after taking my son to kindergarten because I've already got a full face of make-up on.

So I tried working out at night. But between 9pm and midnight is when I finally have my peace and quiet! I'd rather enjoy that than have to hop around in front of the TV.

But now I think I have found what I have always been looking for...

Kundalini yoga with Maya Fiennes!

I am trying out one of her DVDs and so far... I like it. I'll be doing a proper review soon.

Who is familiar with her yoga?

ELITE GIRLS HIT DANISH FASHION WEEK

When you’re stuck in the middle of the mad build up to London Fashion Week it’s easy to forget that there are plenty of other Fashion Weeks going on... and we’re not talking New York, Paris and Milan either! Elite girls Adrienn, Claire, Ismini, Lizzy and Tracy flew off to take part in Danish Fashion Week in Copenhagen this week to walk for fabulous designers such as Ann-Sofie Black, Jil Sander and Louise Amstrup. Here are some of our favourites so far...

Claire for Noblesse

Helen for Spon Diogo

Ismini for Louise Amstrup

Lizzy for Pureheart

Tracy for Noblesse