ATTITUDE FOR HAIR - Taft FULL ON launches new female range

On Saturday I was invited to the Taft FULL ON Style Bar, to celebrate the introduction of its first tailor-made range for women, designed to create statement styles that make hair styling fun.

The Taft FULL ON Style Bar was located at fashion hotspot, The Grand Social (think stylist boudoir and escape from the city!). Members of the public dropped in for express hair styling and fashion tips from Fashion TV presenter, Amber Renae.  Amber told me that  I have summer tones, which is nice as I like all things summer! (I just wish it would hurry up, ha!)

I was introduced to the new range brings, which high quality styling at an affordable price and pretty funky packaging, somewhat reminiscent of another fave of mine: Bed Head.

I was pleased to see that the unique Taft FULL ON Female formula really did bring a high-performance hold that lasts, without any stickiness or residue (which I hate), so that styles stay fresh and position perfect from day to night.

The new range includes:

Taft FULL ON Freeze It Fixing Hairspray

RRP: $5.99

Lasting up to 48 hours, Taft FULL ON Fixing Hairspray freezes styles in place without stickiness or residue and can be easily brushed out.

Taft FULL ON Booster Volume Mousse

RRP: $5.99

Taft Full On Booster Volume Mousse creates visible volume and body, even for the finest of hair. Without stickiness or residue, it provides a strong hold that can be brushed out. 

Taft FULL ON Guardian Angel Straightening Iron Spray

RRP: $6.99

Taft FULL ON Guardian Angel Straightening Iron Spray offers up to 220C heat protection, protecting hair against the damaging effects of heat styling and providing a glossy finish to any look.

Taft FULL ON Smooth Operator Anti-Frizz Lotion

RRP: $6.99

Taft Full ON Smooth Operator Anti-Frizz Lotion shapes, smooths and controls fly-away hairs, whilst protecting hair against damage from heat styling and UV rays.

For pictures of the event and hair styling suggestions, head to www.schwarzkopf.com.au or www.facebook.com/Schwarzkopf.Australia

For stockist details and product information, please contact the Taft FULL ON Advice Line 1800 022 219 or visit us at www.schwarzkopf.com.au

FASHION 101***Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney Swimwear HOT off the runway from Miami

I have to admit, here at Sydney Fashion and Beauty 101 we're getting V excited for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney!

The Best of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has been added to the schedule for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney, 21^st – 25^th August at Sydney’s Town Hall.

The collection show will present the hottest trends straight from the Miami runway, where the biggest names in Australian swimwear will showcase the key pieces from their latest collections. This fast paced mash-up hits the runway with a sea of Spring/Summer swimwear essential for the warmer months.

After the success of their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia shows, Suboo and Kooey Australia made their way to the beaches of Miami, along with White Sands and Lisa Blue, to show the US market how to heat up the runway with the hottest swimwear models from across the globe.

Get ready for this sizzling trends show, held on Wednesday 22 August at 12.30pm, to take you away from winter and right into summer, armed with a front row seat for the best of the best swimwear essentials for bikini season. 

RUNWAY HIGHLIGHTS:

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA TRENDS – Repeated nightly – 8.30pm. Experience the front row view of the hottest trends from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Spring/Summer 2012/13, featuring key pieces from a mix of Australian designers, styled into inspiring trend sections by leading Australian stylist, Kelvin Harries. Highlighting the very latest collections from leading designers such as Ksubi, Lisa Ho, Akira, Alice McCall, Camilla, Jayson Brunsdon, Kirrily Johnston and many more – see the looks as they land in store.

BENDONLINGERIE.COM RUNWAY SHOW – Tuesday 21 August – 6.00pm. Opening night show will feature Jennifer Hawkins on the runway as world leading intimate apparel brand Bendon Lingerie showcase the Spring/Summer 2012/13 collections from their top brands, including Elle Macpherson Intimates, Pleasure State, Lovable, Evollove, Bendon and more.

BEST OF MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM – Wednesday 22 August – 12.30pm. The hottest show on the schedule, featuring the best Aussie swimwear labels on our gorgeous homegrown models, in a fast paced mash-up straight from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami. A sea of Spring/Summer swimwear essentials from Lisa Blue, Kooey Australia, White Sands and Suboo will hit the runway in this sizzling collection show.

OROTON SPRING/SUMMER 2012/13 READY TO WEAR COLLECTION – Thursday 23 August – 12.30pm. Australia’s leading luxury accessories label Oroton will present its first ready to wear collection with the latest Spring/Summer apparel and accessories. Discover how the timeless design and quality that you have come to love in Oroton accessories translates into this debut apparel collection.

MYER RUNWAY SHOW – Thursday 23 August – 6.00pm. Mid-week, Jennifer Hawkins and Kris Smith will take to the Myer runway to showcase the latest summer trends, inspired by the rich culture and colourful landscapes of South Africa, from their exclusive Australian designers, including sass&bide, Aurelio Costarella, Ellery, Arthur Galan AG, Wayne Cooper, Karen Walker and more.

SPORTSCRAFT SPRING/SUMMER 2012 RUNWAY SHOW – Friday 24 August – 12.30pm. Sportscraft will bring you a spectrum of colour illuminated against a multitude of prints and patterns, with the latest in laid back summer trends. The Spring/Summer collection will take you on a journey covering all occasions, from a relaxed day at the beach to sophisticated evening attire, showcasing this season’s most prominent trends.

COTTON ON AND CO. BY COTTON ON RUNWAY SHOW – Friday 24 August – 6.00pm. Dedicated to the ever-evolving sense of style in the world of fashion, Cotton On will show their new Spring/Summer 2012/13 collection, featuring this season’s must have pastel shades, metallics, chambray denim and punchy neon brights. Their online exclusive label, CO. by Cotton On, will showcase their latest range inspired by international catwalks.

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA REVIEW PRESENTED BY MARIE CLAIRE – Friday 24 August – 8.30pm. Experience the front row view of the hottest trends from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Spring/Summer 2012/13, exclusively presented by Jackie Frank and the Marie Claire fashion team. Featuring their hottest picks from the Spring/Summer season this one-night-only show even has Whitney Port securing herself a front row seat.

WHITNEY EVE & WE BY WHITNEY EVE RUNWAY SHOW – Saturday 25 August – 6.00pm. Launching her two signature fashion lines, Whitney Eve and WE by Whitney Eve, Port is further cementing her place within the Australian fashion industry. The collection is influenced from her Los Angeles upbringing and time spent in NYC, bringing it that relaxed Californian style combined with an edginess inspired from the streets of Manhattan. 

HUB HIGHLIGHTS:

Each ticket includes access to the Festival Hub, with its buzzing after-party atmosphere where you will find endless self styling sessions, beauty consultations, competitions, photo shoots and so much more, all while mingling with the fashion elite. The Festival Hub will become your destination for celebrating all that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney has to offer in fashion, beauty and culture.

Stop by Maybelline NY’s Touch-Up Bar to see all the latest beauty looks, trends and this season’s must-have products from their makeup team. While Redken 5^th Avenue NYC will provide guests with one-on-one hair consultations and goodie bags, tailored to your specific hair needs. Don’t forget to embrace your inner Lara Stone and be photographed next to the brand new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster! Or show off your smile with the help of HP and Intel.

VIP ticket holders will have access to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, complete with complimentary canapés and the Peroni Bar where Tempus Two wines, Peroni and Acqua Panna will keep you hydrated.

TICKET PACKAGES:

Be front row and fabulous at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney and see the latest trends from upcoming Spring/Summer collections on the runway at they hit stores in Australia.

Get your ‘Fashion Fix’ for as little as $35, for a seat in the collection show of your choice and a ticket to the post-show after party in the Festival Hub. Premium ticket packages include the works, with premium seating, backstage tour, Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge access, canapés, Tempus Two wines, Peroni, and a gift bag. PLUS the gorgeous Acqua Panna Ambassadors and Sanpellegrino Boys will be serving beverages to the front rows.

This year will see some of our best Australian brands and retailers featuring their seasonal collections, from 21^st – 25^th August at Sydney’s Town Hall, so you can be inspired by the upcoming summer trends and head in store post-show to shop your new must-haves for the season.

The hottest fashion tickets in town this August are available through Ticketek!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney is proudly supported by Mercedes-Benz, City of Sydney, Maybelline NY, DHL, HP, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, EYE, Channel 7, The Daily Telegraph and product partners Acqua Panna, Peroni and Tempus Two. It is an initiative of IMG Fashion and is a consumer focused fashion event produced by the same professional team of experts responsible for the world-renowned industry event Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

For all the latest of the festival: Join us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  www.MBFFSydney.com.au

Vibe Hotels Has Nailed It

I was recently treated by the lovely team at Vibe Hotels to a complimentary night at their Vibe Savoy Hotel – Perfect location, next to Southern Cross Station and walking distance to shops, the bars and South Bank in Melbourne. I thought I’d share details of this fab deal with you, my loyal readers, you know, cos I’m nice like that ;)

Vibe Hotels has annouced announce the launch of Look Polished @ Vibe*. The brand new accommodation package features four limited edition travel sized nail polishes that will see women pampered across Vibe’s seven sensational locations. 

 In addition to the accommodation and breakfast, Vibe Hotels also treated me to trial Look Polished @ Vibe* accommodation package which  features four limited edition travel sized nail polishes that will see women pampered across Vibe’s seven sensational locations.

From just $199*, the Look Polished @ Vibe package includes:

·         Overnight accommodation for two adults in a vibe-rant guest room

·         One set of four mini Vibe nail polishes in this season’s hottest colors (Pillow Taupe, VIPink, Refresh-Mint and Welcome Black) - I particularly like the Refresh-Mint colour – bang on trend for pastels this SS 2012, 2013.

·         A delicious full buffet breakfast for two at curve cafe  - (Which is YUM, I actually has four plates!)

·         Late check-out at noon to catch up on beauty sleep

The limited edition set of four Vibe Hotels nail polishes are at the forefront of colour trends this season and come in mini sizes, ideal for travelling. Plus, they are 3-free (containing no toulene, formaldehyde/formaldehyde resin, DBP or camphor), along with being environmentally and socially conscious.  

The Look Polished @ Vibe package is all a woman could want! What better reason for gal pals to host that long overdue girly getaway or for the ladies to snag themselves a little something extra whilst travelling with their plus one?   

The Look Polished @ Vibe Package is available at all Vibe Hotels, located across Sydney (Sydney, Rushcutters Bay and North Sydney), Melbourne (Melbourne and Carlton), the Gold Coast and Darwin.

To book (best online rates guaranteed) visit vibehotels.com.au or call 13 VIBE (8423).

* Package starts from $199. Rates may vary between hotels. Subject to availability. Package includes overnight accommodation for two adults in a guest room. One mini Vibe nail polish sets per booking only. Bookings from 13/3/2012 – 30/9/2012 for stays from 1/4/2012 – 30/9/2012.

BEAUTY 101** Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo – FiftyFour Park St Day Spa

Last week the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo hosted their first pre-expo media event at the beautiful FiftyFour Park St Day Spa, where media mingled with expo artists and contributors over morning tea and a little bit of pampering!

Guests and media were welcomed down the stairs at FiftyFour Park St Day Spa, to a gorgeous space overlooking the spa’s brilliant underground pool. Media enjoyed a morning tea of macaroons, cupcakes and champagne as they mingled in the beautiful surrounds.  

Julia Erben, Event Director of the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo (11 & 12 August) opened the event by welcoming guests and thanking them for their ongoing support, “as some of our greatest supporters we wanted to celebrate with you, and give you the opportunity for individual conversations with our artists and contributors”.

Erben’s first year as Director of the expo has positioned it as the driving force of this fascinating and dynamic industry, inspiring every salon and spa professional to prepare for the growing trends and demands. She then went on to explain the background of the expo, which offers the biggest spa and beauty event in Australia with all the latest products, treatments and equipment from the nation’s largest gathering of suppliers – with an expected 10 000 professionals to visit over the 2 days.

The pre-expo event then shed light on key expo artists and contributors. Mia Cassin, Media Manager of True Solutions represented the exhibitors on show at the expo, Melinda O’Rourke; Director of MO Luxury represented the Business Leaders Summit as one of its key speakers, Megan Armfield; Senior Makeup Artist at Becca Cosmetics, one of the expo’s main stage stars, Brow Artist Jazz Pampling who has two brow shaping seminars at the expo and Nail Competition Coordinator Tracy Boyle who will bring her international nail industry expertise this years awards.   

Julia invited Mia Cassin to speak about the diversity of current consumer demands and how different products can help spas cater to this. “Savvy spas are on the forefront of business by using certain brands that show they are industry leaders, not followers” Mia explained, before stating that the expo is a proven success for them, “it changes our business by getting us to our clients.”

Melinda O’Rouke, with a background as Country Manager of Prada and Chanel, was then invited to speak about creating true value, making a focus on differentiating yourself through your customer service and how this is a universal challenge.

Guests and media were then invited to enjoy a morning of pampering with a buff & polish and arm massages from the FiftyFour Park St Spa Staff using True Solutions product, eye brow shaping and advice from Jazz, makeup touchups and tips with Megan while Tracey Boyle showed a Gel Nail Polish demo with Competition Entrant Julie Dovolis.

The doors open this weekend to the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August. Register for the industry’s most pivotal event at www.internationalbeautyexpo.com.au

Keep up to date with the latest news on facebook.com/SydneyInternationalSpaAndBeautyExpo

Say hello on Twitter.com/SpaBeautyExpo

The Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo is a Trade Only event; Industry ID will be required for registration and entry.