Le Cheveux a la Cheryl

“Only God, my dear,


Could love you for yourself alone


And not your yellow hair.”


W.B. Yeats

Hairstyles, just like the latest beauty craze, up-and-coming designer or ‘it’ accessory change with every season. But whilst wispy, elfin crops may flit into fashion now and again with the celebrity say-so of Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan or Victoria Beckham (mostly for film roles or to give damaged hair a break from heavy duty weave extensions and blowdrying) a full and glossy head of hair is as eternally elegant as Grace Kelly or Coco Chanel.

Fairytale visions of Rapunzel-esque princess locks, the Biblical prowess of Samson and Delilah and Shakespeare’s Ophelia with golden hair splayed around her drowning frame all no doubt contribute to our unconscious recognition of the historical and ongoing importance of hair. Throughout history hair has been a marker of health, wealth and social standing. It remains a reflection of diet and well-being as well as a display of style and beauty, and Hubert De Givenchy once remarked in Vogue that “Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself.”

Pressure indeed.

Yet throughout history, wigs have been used recurrently by rich and poor alike to augment natural hair to unnatural proportions, the subject matter quickly hushed and any enhancements furiously denied. Consider the embarrassment felt by the Duchess of Devonshire when her elaborate hairpiece was set alight in view of her public or the tentative scene in Sex and the City where Samantha Jones removes her recovery wig. A beautiful, thick head of hair is something that, although literally impossible for many women, is a look we all strive to achieve, probably spending a small fortune on volumising and shine products, countless cut and blowdrys, highlights and GHDs.

Thank goodness for the new, damage-free gentle bond Lucinda Ellery human hair extensions.

This season, Farrah Fawcett-style volume and length are back in, courtesy of Cheryl Cole, Katie Price and Lucinda Ellery Hair extensions. Considering the constant emphasis on long, thick hair within our culture it is surprising that hair extensions weren’t invented hundreds of years ago. Thankfully, whatever Victoria Beckham wants she seems to get, and it was her endorsement in 2004 which propelled bonded hair extensions into the public eye. They became a symbol of money, style and sex appeal – the perfect celeb-chic accessory, their lustrous buoyancy boasting “I can control my hair perfectly therefore I am also in complete control of my perfect life.” Today, techniques are advanced and prices more affordable, meaning that hair extensions just like those worn by Cheryl and Victoria are readily available in reputable salons, of which Lucinda Ellery is the leading name specializing in fine hair and volume. See www.LucindaEllery.com for a full range of services offered.

Possessing fine, mousy brown hair myself, I have often longed for thicker tresses a la Mrs Beckham and after years of wearing annoying (but admittedly cheap and cheerful) clip-in extensions I eventually surrendered and cut my hair short. I loved it, for a few years, but was then quickly reminded of the living hell that is attempting to grow out a shorter hairstyle – a graceful, pixie-like Natalie Portman I am certainly not. After months of enviously scrutinizing Cheryl Cole’s extensions I decided to bite the bullet and go for it myself, booking an appointment in Lucinda Ellery’s reputable Hammersmith salon which boasts celebrity clients including Mrs Cole, Katie Price and Sarah Harding).

My consultant, Sarah, was a gorgeous blonde with an annoyingly flawless poker-straight mane of blonde highlighted hair. She later confessed that she had 120 bonded extensions (a full head) which increased her length by 8 inches and volume by 100%. I was shocked – her hair really did look natural, pulled neatly back into one of those Mean Girls ponytails that swish smugly when you walk. Sarah explained that Lucinda Ellery extensions are completely safe and will not damage your natural hair at all as the weight is balanced and the hair chosen specifically to suit your own, meaning that you can continue to grow out your hair as you wear the extensions (which last for 3 months). I was given two quotes, one for 60 bonds which would mimic Cheryl’s volumised look but keep the length of my own hair the same (£360) or 120 bonds which would also extend my length to 14 inches (£780). Clearly, I was set aback by the prices, but Sarah that if I went for the volume option I may not need all 60 bonds so the price could be a lot lower. This seemed justifiable as the extensions last for 3 months and in the meantime, my own hair will be able to grow through that awkward permanent-bad-hair-day phase. I was sold. The service, personal touches and atmosphere of the salon were impressive enough for me to put down a deposit there and then. I have booked my appointment for a few weeks time….purely, of course, for blog research purposes…and, well, as Cheryl says,

“Because I’m worth it.”

To Be Continued.

Has Anyone Seen Coco?

Coco Chanel, that is, not Chanel. Or Karl Lagerfeld, or any of his garish cerise and turquoise quilted 2.55 bags which I’m sure Coco would deem fine… for a carnival.

The progression of a fashion house is of course, a matter of evolution, but Lagerfeld’s recent collections have swung the elegant Chanel pendulum almost back to the gaudy, elaborate and lavish art of dressing women like dolls, not women, which Coco herself was so opposed to. Preferring a sophisticated palette of neutrals and mature monochromes, Coco Chanel’s signature style was one of refined femininity which freed women from the constraints of their decorative garments and taught them how to dress for comfort and practicability. Luxury and glamour were by no means neglected; her designs offered a Jekyll and Hyde juxtaposition of subtle daytime prettiness and flawless evening sophistication with an unwritten rule that all any woman needs in her evening wardrobe is an LBD and a string of pearls.

It is difficult to picture Coco herself choosing to add a hot pink jersey version of the classic 2.55 bag to her ensemble, although after scrutinising the bag in question for a good few minutes it is, admittedly impossible not conclude that the workmanship and finish is every bit as immaculate and luxurious as its more understated black leather and lambskin equivalents. And admittedly, as much as every girl aspires to look as classy and composed as Mme Chanel, in today’s often grey and dreary landscape there can’t really be anything wrong with injecting a bit of Paris Hilton pink optimism into our lives. Any 2.55 bag is better than no 2.55 bag, non?

Lagerfeld’s Autumn Winter 2010 collection, on description alone, would hardly be recognizable as Chanel. Global Cooling, Yeti boots and Faux Fur gilets do not an epitome of French style make. Yet somehow, this collection defies contemporary fashion in a way which Chanel herself may just be proud of.

The overtly sexualised hourglass female form was something Chanel aimed to alter. Her designs, whilst remaining playfully flirtatious and feminine, freed women from the constraints of tight corsets, structured skirts and over-exposed cleavage. She pioneered the alternative, gamine model of femininity by loosening clothes, allowing room to breathe and hinting at the figure instead of openly displaying it. Ever defiant and innovative, perhaps she would have approved of Lagerfeld’s new silhouette for 2010, the top half swathed in heavy layers, emphasising long, slim legs heightened with sky high heels and skin-tight leggings. Ok, so wearability was clearly not high on Lagerfeld’s list, but his versatility was impressive, managing to completely turn this silhouette on its head, concealing the top half with snug soft leather biker jackets leading to fur covered mid-sections and wide leg trousers. Whatever your strengths – slender legs or petite décolleté and waist, this collection will emphasise it to the max whilst keeping you warm enough to brave even an Antarctic winter, but be warned, lashings of self-confidence and a suitable occasion are also imperative.

Highlights included a surprisingly wearable leather jacket with fax fur detail and quilted breast pockets, combined with a showstopping earth-tone ethnic necklace. There is something in the clinically perfect tailoring and sharp lines of a typical Chanel design which always makes me think of it as a ‘cool-toned’ Fashion House. In opposition, Dior, DKNY and Pucci are examples of ‘warm-toned’ brands, more often than not using a warmer, earthier palette. All of the jewellery exhibited in Lagerfeld’s Autumn/ Winter collection broke these rules, but then, Mme Chanel herself is reported to have said that Elegance is refusal. The tribal themed triangular structured necklaces were strikingly feminine, universally wearable and seasonally adaptable from Boho summers to Autumnal soirees.

If there’s one thing Chanel achieves without fail each season, it is must-have investment piece. Remarkably in a collection mainly consisting of ensembles resembling ski-wear, Lagerfeld has succeeded in creating two: the aforementioned necklaces and a range of deliciously eclectic maxi-bags fashioned from contrasting panels of quilted leather, faux fur and tweed. Large enough to hold your entire life whilst making you look minute in comparison, these bags truly are must-haves (ie. as you watch the catwalk you think “I need one of those” rather than – or at least slightly before – “That is divine and I want it now”).

Maybe it isn’t such a tragedy that Mme Chanel’s signature style has become softened into a subtle hint here and there. To mimic her entirely would prevent progression and development, whereas with experiment comes fresh, of-the-moment flashes of Lagerfeld’s genius, ever-changing and evolving. To give Coco Chanel the final word: Fashion is made to become unfashionable.

A Love Affair with Parma-Violet

Since being a little girl, I have been obsessed with all things violet. Parma violet to be precise, that delicate lavender shade of lilac, pastel pretty with just the right amount of mod appeal – prompting OPI to name their latest lilac shade “mod about you”. It is a colour of fairytale transgression rarely seen occurring naturally or otherwise amidst the dull London landscape, making it all the more delicious, a powerful elixir with the ability of reminding us of carefree summers and childhood dreams.

For me, the obsession spans from my addictive overspritzing of Guerlain’s violet-infused ‘Insolence’ to my extensive nailpolish collection (less like a rainbow than a sea of lilac, lilac-y pink and pinky lilac) to this very blog. Maybe you won’t feel the urge to take the purple plunge to such extremes. But you can’t deny that the fashion scene has undergone a fresh lick of lilac lately, with Topshop leading the way on the high street with a sugared-almond summer collection including surprisingly wearable lilac body con minis and corset tops. Personally I’ve got my fingers crossed that a shiny new pair of lilac summer brogues will be stocking the shelves shortly…pretty please, Topshop?

In the designer spectrum, I defy any girl not to instantly fall in love with Burberry Prosrum’s lilac silk trench coat, sharply structured enough to create Buberry’s signature sophisticated silhouette, but rounded off gently with soft puff shoulder detail which keep the look young and fresh. No, its not a wardrobe necessity. No, lilac is never going to be the new black for more than a season. So no, maybe you cant warrant the £1,695 price tag. But I still want what Emma Watson’s got.

The Lilac Lust-List

1. Kurt Geiger ‘Emiline’ Court Shoes, £150 (kurtgeiger.com)

Formed in the trademark Kurt Geiger platform stiletto mould – the only highstreet Loubitan alternative acceptable for any discerning shoe-snob – these are luxuriously unusual and classic all at the same time. The lilac is hardened with a masculine edge through the metallic detail on the heel, transforming these shoes from dolly-girl-sweet to city-girl-chic.

2. Won Hundred Lilac Straight-leg jeans (£95 from asos.com)

Lilac jeans should be approached with caution. Pale denim has a tendency to add weight to thighs whereas darker or stonewash denim can create the illusion of a slimmer leg – and you’ve probably heard that a million times. But the rules begin to blur a bit on the consideration of lilac jeans, simply because lilac jeans are not considered a fashion staple, and whether or not they are slimming has probably never before been anyone’s particular concern. The trick with pastel trousers, it seems, is to stick to the straight leg – too skinny, and you risk looking childish. Too wide, and you suddenly begin to recall that pair of faded patchwork pink corduroy flares you owned as a little girl. This pair, designed by Won Hundred, are low-rise and long in length, allowing you to create an elongated line and giving the (advisable) option of wearing with heels. The brand, created by denim specialist Nikolaj Neilson, wins in the style stakes this spring/summer as the fabric is light and stretchy enough to be comfortable whilst avoiding that cheap lycra look. My tip? Pairing lilac with tan or navy has a similar effect to mixing sweet and savoury popcorn – it shouldn’t be right, but once you have tried it it’s the only way to go. Balance, it seems, is the key with lilac, particularly with a statement item like jeans. Keep the top half simple and classic and team with an oversized bag or cardigan – Agnes Deynn often wears shades of lilac, lemon and mint, but you would never associate her with that super annoying, Hannah Montana candy princess look. That, lilac lovers, is not a good look on anyone.

3. Lilac Lips as seen on Chloe Sevigny

If you fancy a bit of lilac in your make-up bag, its easy to reach for the nail polish or experiment with shimmering eyeshadows. But Chloe Sevigny’s lilac-lip made a refreshing ‘Summer’s nearly here!’ statement, worn boldly in daytime, punked up with a leather jacket and tousled hair.

Just as gutsy as a Hollywood red, but subtle enough (if you opt for a gloss rather than a matte look) for daytime, this shade will be big on lips this season. Lilac lipgloss is one of those pick-me-up, feel good products which can look good on anyone. The Body Shop’s ‘Love’ Gloss in Mauve (rrp £10) is a perfect example of a product with enough shimmer and a touch of barely there violet to look gorgeous without being too scary.

So whether you choose to opt for Gaga-esque head to toe purple passion, or a more subtle, slick of gloss and matching nails approach, this Spring/Summer is the time to embrace your inner Romanticism and live life on the lilac side.