Fashion Hair & Beauty

Lisa Shepherd SALONS birmingham

COMPETITION

Win a Lisa Shepherd Salon makeover for your mum this Mother’s Day

Does your mum deserve to be treated to a splash of glitz and glamour this Mother’s Day? We’ve teamed up with Lisa Shepherd Salon in Birmingham to offer one lucky reader the chance to spoil their mum with the ultimate makeover this Mother’s Day.

Your mum will be treated to a Lisa Shepherd VIP package including a one-to-one hair consultation, cut, colour and restyle with a Lisa Shepherd Salon senior stylist. Not only that, but your mum will also win a goody bag of professional hair products and a Lisa Shepherd Salon loyalty card.

With over 20 years’ experience as a precision colour artist in the hairdressing industry and former resident colourist for popular TV show ‘10 Years Younger’, Lisa Shepherd and her team of experienced staff know what great styling is all about. Whether you’re in need of a bit of gentle hair therapy or you’re looking for a fresh new style, Lisa Shepherd Salon on Temple Row West in Birmingham has the skills and creativity to make your hair fashion ready for any occasion.

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply send us a photo of your mum explaining why she deserves to be spoilt this Mother’s Day.

Email your entry to editor@touchbasemagazine.com.

Please mark your entry. Mother’s Day competition.  Editors decision is final.

No cash alternative available. Competition closing date 28th February 2013.

It’s no secret that Lisa Shepherd is a woman with her finger on the pulse of fashion. With a fabulous new season coming up Lisa is here to give us her top trend for 2013.

Go Grunge!

The raven look is at the heart of the gothic glamour trend this season, with people going that extra couple of shades darker; especially if they have a cool skin tone. Bold reds harking back to the likes of Shirley Manson will also be big this year, with people embracing the 90’s grunge look.

Over-Toning

Ash and gold colours will be high on the hair agenda in 2013, with the over-toning trend giving a host of new, subtler colour options and a ready change from the flourescents of 2012. Taking the platinum grey look a step further we have seen a number of celebrities adopting more powdered pastel colours. As Kelly Osbourne and Pixie Geldolf show it is important to go high on the gloss factor to keep the look ultra fresh.

Back to the Roots

Ditch the dip-dye in favour of its more daring and grungy cousin – the ‘Grow-Out’. A more daring and on-trend look which embraces the tones of the roots, using a ‘smudge down’ technique that will fuse the colours from top to bottom. Suitable for all skin tones, the dark roots can be made a rich warm tone or cool hue depending on the client. The depth of the roots should depend on the length of the hair.

Plaits

No matter how big or small, plaits are a must this season, and with endless styling options it can work on any hair type. Plaits should be built around the middle parting, so always aim to accentuate the symmetry of the hair when pulling them together.

Accessorize!

A perfect way to add a little 90’s glitziness to hair this season is to branch out with your accessories, think leather and studs for the ultimate goth-glam look. Incorporating leather strands into plaits, studs into topknots will give a simple edginess to any look.

Texture A-Plenty

Nothing is clear cut this season, it is all about going big and bold, with a big focus on texture. Think simple but untamed waves, which maximise on the hair’s natural volume.

The Nape

This season the attention should be firmly on the nape of the neck with those anti-ballerina buns and lower twisted halos accentuating the neck-line at this point.

With so much choice for a fab 2013 why not book into Lisa Shepherd Birmingham for your makeover now? Visit us at Portman House on Temple Row or give us a call on 0121 236 6981 to book your appointment now. Alternatively you can book online by logging onto www.lisashepherd.co.uk.

For more advice and top tips don’t  forget to check out my website  www.lisashepherd.co.uk or follow me at www.twitter/haircolourdoc

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Slowing down  the ageing process

ENHANCING NATURAL BEAUTY WITHOUT SURGERY

Want to hold the years back ?  CACI  face treatment is the  painless way to rejuvenate your skin and look up to 10 years younger.

Want to hold the years back ?  CACI  face treatment is the  painless way to rejuvenate your skin and look up to 10 years younger.

Look brighter, smoother and naturally more refreshed. That’s exactly what CACI the non surgical face lift does. It offers a visible alternative to surgery in an increasingly appearance conscious world.

I’m sure we’re not meant to look younger than our daughters or even like sisters but we are meant to look and feel great from the inside to out.

My aim is to slow down the ageing process and enhance the natural beauty we all possess. Faces are diverse and thats what makes us all so interesting.

There is nothing more beautiful than seeing  exude confidence in their own skin.

Pioneered over 30years ago for the medical use of treating Bel Palsy which i still treat today. The beauty industries latest concept of the non surgical face lift had arrived.

My interest grew when through auto immune condition myself i saw first hand the effects of stress  within the body and how it speeds up the ageing process.

The benefits of this treatment never cease to amaze me. It lifts, tones and re educating  facial muscles. Tightening jaw lines, healing acne and scar tissue. Whilst softening crow, frown, nose to mouth lines and closing enlarged pores. The micro current is able to drive the product into the skin hydrating sun damaged and dry skin conditions. Stimulating blood circulation speeds up cell renewal giving a glowing complexion

By elevating facial and body tension you can take years off your age. Not forgetting that human touch works miracles on tired skin. I finish all treatments with a relaxing facial massage.

There are many aspects to slowing down our ageing. After treatments, our emotionally well being plays a huge part as does our lifestyles. If we are going to buy expensive creams for the outside of the skin let’s help the inside a little too. Steer clear of erratic eating habits as they damage the skin whilst fad diets cause the loss of elasticity in the skin resulting sagging.

CACI is still one of beauty’s best kept secrets attracting an unrivalled celebrity following from media to royalty.

The most important benefit to this facial is that it’s preventative as well as corrective. So it’s never too early to hold those years back.

For appointments or consultations call Judi 07875-618268

Visit her at Barefoot Birmingham, 7 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT

www.judigilbert.co.uk

Email- info@skincare-specialist.co.uk   FB-judigilbert skincarespecialist

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Mens OnTrendSpring 2013

There is only one way to describe the spring 2013 menswear shows and that’s an eye-popping explosion of colour. In dramatic contrast to the understated sophistication of autumn/winter, with its muted colour palette, spring is injected with a sense of sartorial fun that we haven’t seen on the catwalks for some time.

Mirroring the key womenswear trends, metallics are one of the biggest and loudest trends to hit the menswear shows this season. From foil-look metallic trenches in hot pink as seen at Burberry Prorsum to a bronze zip-up bomber jacket at Versace; metallics were present on a host of runways in a striking palette not for the faint hearted.

For a more subtle take on the trend, look for metallic accents - Christopher Bailey’s white shirt with metallic collar for Burberry Prorsum is sure to be a retail hit and replicated on the highstreet in the not too distant future. Alternatively, look to the always fashion-forward but totally wearable Acne collection and style a pair of this season’s shorts with metallic silver brogues.

Continuing the colour trend, neon is another standout trend for spring/summer 2013. The use of neon varied from contrasting colour blocking pieces in a palette of orange, lemon, and neon blue courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo to paint-brush prints at Jil Sander. With retro trainers making a come back, neon designs are a wearable way to buy into this trend – and slightly more practical than a foil shirt!

When it comes to alternatives to spring’s bold shades, white and navy are two key tends in their own right. Both were styled white-on-white or navy-on-navy for a look that is altogether more pulled together. Look out for monotone safari inspired suits as seen at Trussardi and Burberry.

Double-breasted jackets remain key for yet another season. Advocates of the navy double-breasted suit included Giorgio Armani, Dior Homme and Alexander McQueen, while Roberto Cavalli, Givenchy and Gucci opted for pastel shades - another big colour story for s/s 13.

In anticipation of warmer months, shorts were everywhere on the runways. Far from the tailored silhouettes of last year, we now see a more relaxed oversized short emerging, reflecting this season’s laid back mood. In an array of fabrics from Aertex to leather (as seen at Acne), the overarching theme was the length which stopped just past the knee.

Double denim makes a return again this season. From the distinctly 1990s inspired stonewash jeans and matching denim jacket seen at Calvin Klein to patchwork denim Bermuda shorts and matching shirt at Louis Vuitton. If double denim isn’t your thing, stay ahead in the style stakes with the season’s new shorts in soft denim and style with a crisp white shirt.

Womens OnTrendSpring 2013

The start of a new season is always an exciting time in fashion and there’s no shortage of trends emerging from the spring/summer 2013 shows of New York, London, Milan and Paris. In this issue we focus on the key trends that will see you though the transition from early spring to summer.

Colour is a plenty this season, from the prettiest of pastels seen at Christopher Kane and Givenchy to the injection of hot pink, orange and bright green at Matthew Williamson, Osman and Proenza Schouler to name but a few, signalling that neon will be a sure trend for our summer wardrobes.

White dominated the catwalks of s/s 13 – from the prettiest of summer dresses with ornate lace and piping, seen at Valentino to the fluid, minimalist silhouettes at Jil Sander. A more relaxed sporty approach was taken by Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney while Chanel, Jill Stuart and Erdem’s approach was more feminine glamour with beautifully cut separates and oh-so covetable dresses with nipped-in waists.

Kristopher Kane leads the style stakes with his white rounded shoulder bomber jacket, combining two of the season’s hottest trends. The luxe bomber is the this season’s answer to staying stylish during those ‘the weather can’t make its mind up’ days; perfect for the transition between spring and summer. Leowe, Proenza Schouler and Jonathan Saunders were among the designers that showed us the luxe bomber is this season’s most stylist piece. From metallic to decorative leather, style this jacket with a pencil skirt or skater dress to keep the look feminine and chic.

Sheer fabrics offered a sexier direction to the season’s more demure offerings. See-through panels of mesh, lace and other fabrications allowed glimpses of shoulders, mid-drifts and thighs on the catwalks of Dion Lee, Stella McCartney, Preen, Giambattista Valli and Erdem to name but a few. Not restricted to the sportier pieces, the mood was altogether more feminine with the most delicate of fabrics embellished with piping, lace and decorative blooms.

Black and white Venetian Stripe stripes are the surprise print this season. Michael Kors kept it cool with a shorts and a matching blazer in the black and white stripe while Oscar de la Renta’s show-stopping full length gown in bias stripes proved this trend shouldn’t just be restricted to the day.

Monochrome was a theme that continued throughout, with some designers referencing the 60’s, including the likes of Prada, PPQ and Marc Jacobs. Other’s looked to the future with seemingly floating bondage panels at Alexander Wang, wrapping effect at Celine and wet look leather at Philip Lim.

The skirt remains a key piece for yet another season, with the pencil skirt favoured by designers for spring/summer.  Kept simple in crisp white at Victoria Beckham or injected with a band of metallic at Giambattista Valli or neon at Proenza Schouler, or the boldest red courtesy of Burberry Prorsum and Rouland Mouret - you’ll be spoilt for choice.  This wardrobe staple will easily fit into your work wardrobe and can be dressed up to continue into the evening.

by Lizzy Gardner

www.lizzygardner.com

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Heart matters

Elizabeth Beetham BSc Holistic Nutritionist, and Natural Health Journalist shares her knowledge to help you protect your heart

by Elizabeth Beetham

February and Valentine’s Day in particular, is the time of year when we are all concerned with matters of the heart and romance is in the air.  Well at least we hope it is!  Of course as a Nutritionist I am also very conscious and concerned about heart health. Coronary Heart Disease is still one of the major causes of death in the UK.  Unfortunately heart disease is strongly linked to a genetic predisposition but even so the good news is we can help protect ourselves from this disease with lifestyle changes.  Whatever your age, start building good habits; eat healthily, exercise, and learn to relax, these things will strengthen the coronary arteries and protect them from harm. Follow these recommendations for better heart health.

1.  Stop Smoking

This is of major importance for the health of your heart and is the one thing you can do that will have an enormous positive impact on your overall health.  Within 48 hours your body will be working hard to overcome the damage caused by smoking.  It still amazes me how many people are still smoking, particularly young women.  The chemicals in tobacco are very damaging to the cardiovascular system and your general health and there is an enormous amount of scientific evidence available to support this statement.

2.  Avoid or Control High  Blood Pressure

High blood pressure causes the walls of the larger arteries to lose their elasticity and become rigid and smaller vessels to constrict; this means the heart has to work much harder.  Have a blood pressure check regularly. Many people are not aware that they have high blood pressure and it can be controlled with lifestyles changes or medication.

3.  Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic activity of at least thirty minutes five days a week will greatly improve the efficiency of the heart as a pump, tone the entire arterial system, reduce bad cholesterol, reduce the chance of abnormal blood clotting and help balance the activity of the autonomic nervous system. People who do not exercise regularly more than double their risk of heart disease.

4.  Reduce LDL Cholesterol  (the bad cholesterol)

High cholesterol is an important predictor of a heart attack, because it leads to fatty deposits building up in the walls of the coronary arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.  It is important to choose the right type of fat in your diet for example olive oil and fish oils which are so beneficial to the heart.  I recommend a good quality Omega-3 supplement which you can buy from my website. A study of 1,300 men in Europe found that those with the highest levels of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in their tissues had the lowest heart attack rates.

5.  Learn to Relax

Stress is bad for your health it can increase the activity of the adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system which causes the heart to work harder and increases the risk of arrhythmias and coronary artery spasm.  Learning to relax reduces the risk of heart attack and also reduces the risk of sudden death if you are unfortunate enough to experience a heart attack. Learning to calm the body and mind with some form of meditation can be one of the best ways of learning to relax.

6.  Do Not Become Overweight

If you are obese you are increasing the heart’s workload and putting a strain on all the organs of the body and your joints.  Being overweight also increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes which is bad for the heart as raised blood sugar levels cause plaques to form in the coronary arteries. You should aim to keep your weight within a safe range; this will help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.  If you are overweight and would like some help please contact me.

7.  Eat Well

Reduce your red meat intake and eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and grains. Introduce pulses into your diet they are a wonderful alternative to meat and are high in protein and fibre.

Choose foods rich in fibre; porridge oats are a good choice at breakfast with added sunflower seeds and nuts to increase protein intake – the body needs protein at breakfast.

Limit your intake of salt so read food labels, excessive salt in your diet increases the risk of high blood pressure which stresses the heart.

Remove all processed foods from your diet – my challenge to you; try it for just 30 days and feel the benefits to your heart health.

Look after your heart so you can enjoy that Valentine romance for years to come!

www.powerforhealth.com

Tel: 01926 864263

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Birmingham International Fashion Week UK Supports The World’s Children

First annual international fashion week held in Birmingham, England in aid of the world’s leading children’s organisation - UNICEF

Elpromotions presents Birmingham International Fashion Week 2013, the ground breaking, first annual fundraising fashion event held to showcase international and local emerging & established talent.

As one of the world’s most iconic cities, Birmingham is the perfect place to host a Fashion Week of the very highest caliber. Inspired by fashion weeks in cities like Los Angeles, Rio, San Antonio, New York, and London, BHMFW is designed as a platform to showcase international and local talent, promoting the creative culture, supporting the local community and bringing international influences and designers to Birmingham. A selection of high profile fashion shows will be held showcasing emerging British & international designers, luxurious haute couture, and iconic masterpieces from the world’s leading fashion houses.

Birmingham International Fashion Week is guaranteed to inspire – Spring 2013 sees the launch of BHMFW ‘The Exhibition’ held at the stunning Millennium Point in the heart of Birmingham, home to Think Tank Museum and the IMAX Cinema. Millennium Point is England’s largest landmark Millennium Project outside London and, since opening, has welcomed more than 1 million people through its doors each year. An exclusive Exhibition experience is held for all ticket holders, alongside a variety of events such as luxury shopping, auctions, seminars with industry speakers, celebrities, music and DJ’s.

Birmingham truly will be the place to be for all fashion lovers in March 2013.

Birmingham International Fashion Week is supporting UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organization. By donating 50% of ticket sales to their Children’s Emergency Fund, which enables UNICEF to be ready to respond rapidly wherever disaster strikes, delivering life-saving help for children.

BHMFW has already generated great awareness and public interest. Designer and sponsor opportunities are available upon request and subject to acceptance.

About UNICEF UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation for children, working in over 190 countries to help every child realise their full potential. We work with partners to transform the lives of children everywhere. UNICEF provides health care, water, nutrition, education and protection for children. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged children are our priority. As champion of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we work to protect and promote the rights of every child. UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity, supported entirely by voluntary donations.

Tickets for Catwalk Shows and The Exhibition are on sale. Event date is 9th-10th March 2013.

We do not receive any money from  the UN. For more information,  please visit unicef.org.uk

50% of your ticket purchase will be donated to UNICEF UK, registered charity number 1072612

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by Kiran Sharma - Director - Physio & Health Matters Ltd

Over the years as I have practiced I have come to a realisation that the word “arthritis” is loosely thrown about  without the full understanding of what is it and how it may impact your life or the lives of your loved ones.

In this article I shall endeavour to shed some light on this matter.

According to different sources there are between 171 to 200 different types of arthritis which are known medically, however the vast majority of the population may have heard of two or three of these types.  Obviously I will not go into all the different types of arthritis, but I will cover what the symptoms are of the more commonly known types of arthritis.  I shall also touch upon the various treatment modalities that are widely available through the NHS and privately to those who are seeking relief from their symptoms.

Arthritis is a disorder that may affect more than one joint and more than one area of the body. The word “arthritis” is a Greek word which when translated means inflammation of one or more joints, however there are 3 main categories into which these are divided and they are not all inflammatory in origin;

Non-inflammatory arthritis – such as osteoarthritis, scoliosis, torn ligaments.

Inflammatory arthritis – such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout.

Connective tissue disease – such as lupus, sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome.

We shall delve into one from each category, namely osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and lupus.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most commonly known type which affects approximately 6.7 million people, followed by rheumatoid arthritis which affects 400,000 according to the Oxford Economics study in 2008.  These two are by far the most prevalent types affecting the UK population.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder which happens when the joints are damaged through age, trauma or overuse, obesity, weak muscles and genetics. It is characterised by changes to the cartilage (the soft tissue which protects the bones). The cartilage may become rough, bony spurs may occur and the joint capsule may thicken resulting in a stiff and painful joint.

Osteoarthritis occurs most commonly in women; the incidence of which increases with age, which is why it is often referred to as “wear and tear.” However, athletes and individuals who have jobs which require repetitive movement are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis due to an increase in the stress and load placed upon the joints. Furthermore it can develop when individuals have broken bones (fractures) or had surgical intervention. Carrying excess weight can also predispose an individual to developing osteoarthritis due to an increase in mechanical load. Furthermore, studies have suggested that obesity causes chemicals to be released which cause joint damage indicative of a more systemic cause. Weak muscles can also be a contributing factor to the development of osteoarthritis. Studies of the knee have shown that weakness of the muscles around the knee can lead to osteoarthritis but that strengthening is also important to reduce the risk of developing changes to the knee joint. Genetics is also known to play a role in the development of osteoarthritis, especially in the hands.

Whilst it is impossible to stop the disease process there are actions which can be taken to decrease the pain, stiffness and manage the condition. Painkillers and non steroidal anti inflammatories may help to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy can help to maintain joint range of movement, muscle strength and soft tissue length. Furthermore physiotherapists will address biomechanical alignment and posture in addition to pain management through the use of electrotherapy and acupuncture. They can offer advice and education on exercise, pain relief and tips to help you to manage your condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA; it is an inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. For reasons that are not fully understood yet, the cells that are designed to protect the body against viruses and bacteria start to attack the body itself, especially the synovium which is the thin membrane that lines the joints. This leads to a fluid build-up within the joints which in turn leads to pain. This fluid contains the break down bi-products from the damaged area which act as an irritant in the area and thus causing further inflammation. When this process continues to affect other joints in the body, it is referred to as a systemic problem.

RA is a chronic problem therefore it cannot be cured but it can be managed with the correct medical and physiotherapy input.

When the disease process is active it is known as a flare up and when it calms down it is known as a remission. The signs and symptoms may vary from individual to individual and can change on a daily basis. The joints may swell up due to the inflammatory exudates, be warm to touch, painful and demonstrate reduced range of movement. This usually affects both sides of the body secondary to its systemic nature. The sufferer may also feel fatigued and generally unwell with a slight temperature. They may become anaemic and experience a loss in appetite.

If the diagnosis is made early into the disease process, the damage to the organs, ligaments and joints can be reduced through correct medical and physiotherapy management.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil, Ibuprofen and Naproxen are but a few of the drugs which would help to reduce the inflammation taking place systemically.

Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone and Methyprednisolone are faster acting anti-inflammatories, but due to the side effects they are usually only prescribed for a short period of time.

Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as Sulfasalazine and Hydrochloroquine are but a few which will usually be prescribed fairly early into the disease process as they can help prevent the irreparable joint damage.

Physiotherapy and acupuncture is also known to help reduce the damage and pain caused by RA.

Lupus

Lupus is also an autoimmune condition just like RA. There are three different types of lupus, however when most people use the term “lupus” they are referring to systemic lupus erythematosus which can affect any organ or tissue and is characterized by joint pain and swelling, and fatigue. Lupus is uncommon; in 90% of cases it occurs in women of childbearing age with a greater incidence amongst African Caribbean women.

As is the case with arthritis there is no cure, however there are treatments available to help individuals to manage their condition. Medication such as non steroidal anti- inflammatories, Hydroxychloroquine, Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants and Rituximab may help to alleviate the symptoms of lupus.

Physiotherapy will help to alleviate pain, stiffness and inflammation whilst maintaining joint range of movement. This is most commonly done through the use of specific exercises to strengthen and stretch tissue, mobilisation techniques which help to maintain joint range, and electrotherapy alongside acupuncture to reduce and manage the pain.

3 Gipsy Lane, Balsall Common CV7 7FW Tel: 01676 533106 Fax: 01676 532106 E-mail: physiomatters.1@btconnect.com

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by Matt Kendrick

Gluten Intolerance has long been thought of as a problem only for those with Celiac disease, but much more recent research indicates that issues related to gluten extend to a far greater population and create havoc on far more than just the digestive system.

Non-Celiac gluten intolerance is a serious condition creating inflammation in any of the body’s systems and the first step towards chronic illness.

Gluten is a protein with sticky properties, found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Its glue like nature make it especially useful to the food industry, which uses gluten as a binder, filler, shaper, bulking agent, texturizer and stabilizer, in its products. Hence it is very hard to avoid.

A 2009 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found the increased risk of death primarily from heart disease and cancer (two leading inflammatory conditions) was an alarming 39% higher in those with Celiac and a whopping 72% higher in the gluten related group.

While in 2002 a New England journal of Medicine review, linked 55 different disorders to eating gluten, including anemia, type 1 diabetes and cystic fibrosis. For people who digest gluten well, certain grains in moderation can be part of a healthy diet as a source of complex carbohydrates. But for those who are intolerant, even the ‘healthiest whole grains’ can cause discomfort fatigue and inflammation.

What to do

If you suspect gluten maybe causing you an issue, you can have your blood tested for the presence of gliadin (a protein in gluten) sensitive antibodies, including IgG and IgA. If the tests turn up with large numbers of these antibodies, it’s a sign that the body is in some way hostile to gluten.

Another option is the elimination and reintroduction diet. Far less expensive than the blood test, this simply calls you to eat a diet free of gluten (including sauces etc.) for two to four weeks to see if symptoms improve. After this period of being completely gluten free, try a slice of bread and observe if any symptoms such as digestive stress, joint pain or skin issues occur to find the answer.

Gluten free products are not necessarily the answer, as they tend to contain other potentially harmful ingredients, including potato starch that can spike blood sugar creating other problems.

Non-gluten grains such as brown rice and quinoa make a great accompaniment to alkalizing vegetables and fruit. These can also be combined with healthy lean proteins such as free-range chicken, wild fish and free-range eggs.

For more information about Gluten Allergy testing: Please call us on 0121 744 2777,  or Visit us at www.mklifefit.co.uk

Email us at info@mklifefit.co.uk

Find us on Facebook Follow us on twitter @mklifefit.

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M&S makeover set to be unveiled

Marks & Spencer has revealed a brand new look for its High Street store in Birmingham city centre.

The store has undergone an extensive makeover, designed with customers in mind, to show the very best that M&S has to offer. The new features in-store have created 20 new jobs for local people. New and improved features within the store include:

Fashion: A number of changes can be seen across Womenswear and Menswear to clearly segment each M&S clothing brand, including Autograph, per una, Collezione and North Coast, giving them distinct identities that allow customers to easily see which brand meets their personal style preferences.

Food hall: The store’s Food hall features an enhanced new layout designed to showcase the quality and freshness of M&S food.

Bakery: The new, larger Bakery offers customers a range of speciality breads freshly baked on-site every day as well as a range of delicious pastries and cakes.

M&S Café: The store’s newly updated contemporary-style Café benefits from new seating for 120 customers and offers a wide range of hot and cold refreshments, including Fairtrade tea and coffee served by specially trained Baristas. A selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes will also be available.

Beauty: The store’s brand new Beauty department gives customers the chance to shop from an extensive range of M&S’ own-brand products, including its new natural and eco-friendly bodycare range, Pure. The store is also one of the first to carry some of the world’s leading and exclusive beauty brands, all of which have been handpicked by M&S experts. Trained consultants are on hand to offer bespoke Beauty advice and product information.

M&S Bank: An M&S Bank branch will open in store on Tuesday 11 October. The first branch to open in the Midlands and one of the first to launch in the UK, it will be open the same hours as the store, enabling customers to bank in the evenings and over the weekend. The branch has been designed to offer customers a convenient and secure banking environment, supported by a dedicated M&S Bank team and Bank Manager.

Shwopping: To celebrate the new look store, customers are being asked to show their support for the M&S ‘Shwopping’ campaign, by donating an unwanted piece of clothing in store every time they buy a new one. Through Oxfam, donated items will be resold, reused or recycled to benefit people living in poverty instead of going to waste as landfill.

Store manager, Zoe Gibbard, said: “We’ve been working hard to bring our customers in Birmingham a brighter, more spacious shopping environment which makes it easier than ever to shop in-store.

“We’re pleased to have unveiled the store’s new features and have had some great feedback so far from customers regarding the improvements.”

Birmingham, 42 High Street,  West Midlands, Birmingham B4 7SS

Telephone:  0121 643 4511

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by Karen Jones

Karen Jones is delighted with the results of a facial at the Henley Rooms, which uses sound waves to penetrate the layers of skin

Facials are meant to be deeply relaxing. They should revitalise the skin, stimulate the senses and leave you feeling a million dollars.

But how many of us have felt short-changed after having a treatment?

Thankfully, the facial I enjoyed at Henley Rooms, in Stratford-upon-Avon was worth every penny and produced results that were remarkable.

I saw salon director Mary Lawson Evans, who prides herself on her skin knowledge and proudly claims to have had sufficient training in skin care and beauty therapy to equate to degree level.

But even she has been astounded by the success of a series of products that she now stocks.

Mary stocks Environ, a wonderful product that was developed by South African plastic surgeon Des Fernandes, who is now in his seventies.

It was developed when he was looking to optimise the results of surgery on his patients and devised a product that improved the condition of the skin prior to going under the knife.

When his patients returned to the surgery specifically to buy the product, he decided to sell it into salons.

He hasn’t looked back since and his customers - who include actresses, TV presenters and supermodels - have proven to be very faithful to the range.

Environ is a complete skin care programme that contains vitamin A and antioxidants including vitamins E and C, resveratrol and beta carotene.

It is based on a step-up system 1-5, with customers starting on 1 and moving slowly up to 5 as their skin becomes accustomed to the range. You can also take vitamins to enhance and support the skin-care range.

I was given an in-depth skin analysis and was prescribed a specially-prescribed Environ vitamin treatment facial, the latest treatment in the range.

Using the active forms of Vitamin A, lactic acid and colostrum, this unique treatment uses sound waves and galvanic currents to increase the penetration of active ingredients by 4,000 per cent.

The pulses help to improve collagen and elastin production, which is responsible for skin firmness, and this particular treatment has the greatest amount of active molecules that can also hydrate skin, as well as reduce pigmentation and scarring.

Although there is no massage involved, it is still a very relaxing treatment and Mary combined it with an advanced skin peel, a particularly effective treatment that is ideal for sun-damaged skin without unsightly skin shedding.

My aim was to achieve smoother and more radiant skin. This facial certainly ticked all those boxes and my skin looked amazing. No wonder it has fans such as Elle Macpherson.

12 Windsor Street • Stratford-upon-Avon  Telephone: 01789 263444

www.henleyrooms.com

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by Lizzy Gardner

WOMEN

In a season that offers a more restrained palette than we’ve seen in the past, we see wonderful variety from the many silhouettes and detailing. From baroque to 70s geometric prints, autumn/winter 2012 is a vibrant mix of past genres stunningly re-created into a season of covetable style. Here’s your On Trend guide to this winter’s trends.

Fashion has a dark side this season!  From gothic to grunge, black reigned supreme on the runways.  From sultry floor length gowns to edgy mini skirts, as seen at Gucci, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace, black comes in every shape and style this season. Take inspiration from Derek Lam and try pairing a black pleat maxi with a chunky black knit sweater for an on trend day look.

Baroque and brocade remain key trends this season. From rich, regal inspired pieces at Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen to those with a distinct Oriental feel. Designers the likes of Balmain, Dries Van Noten and Zac Posen showcased dresses with capped sleeves, high necklines and tunics worn over pants with intricate embroidery and embellishments in lavish golden threads.

Following the sultry colour palette that defines the new season, red was prominent on the catwalks in a multitude of shades. Rather than an accent colour, red was worn as a bold statement, often from head-to-toe. Valentino, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Jil Sander showed styles from minimalist cocoon coats to lavish lace. For an instant work-wardrobe update, invest in a pair of red cigarette pants and style with a printed jacket or silk shirt.

Outerwear goes oversized for winter 12. The most sought after silhouettes were seen at Celine, Chloe, and Balenciaga, Isabel Marant and MaxMara with exaggerated cocoon style coats and boxy single-breasted jackets. The best thing about this look is the exaggerated proportions will make your legs look slimmer. So make a big impact this season and go convex!

Print takes two distinctively different paths this a/w. Floral prints become less country garden and more gothic romance with rich purples offset with black seen at Christian Kane. In contrast, colourful geometric and ‘wallpaper’ print trousers with matching jackets featured at Prada, Miu Miu, Rag & Bone and DKNY. Slim cut pants were the preferred style with more volume in the jacket.

The printed clutch is one of this season’s must haves and will provide an instant style update to any outfit.

For those who prefer a more understated print, graphic monochrome offers a stylish alternative. Effortlessly chic, the new monochrome prints are more futuristic than those of seasons past. From cheques to chain prints, and from regimented to random prints, monochrome comes in every shape and style this season. Executed in luxury fabrics, graphic monochrome prints stole the show at Kenzo, Diane Von Furstenberg and Altuzarra.

Finally, fans of all things lace will be pleased to hear this remains a prominent trend going into the winter. Valentino, Stella McCartney and Erdem, to name but a few, showcased stunningly dark and elegant pieces in this timeless fabric.

MEN

Understated sophistication defines the mood for menswear this season. With a more muted colour palette than last season, there is an emphasis on luxury fabrics and timeless style. In a season where a great coat, tailoring and rich knits are key, getting the barebones of your wardrobe right has never been so important. Here’s the On Trend guide to winter style.

The autumn/winter 2012 menswear shows were big on texture clashes with leather and wool, velvet and corduroy, matt and gloss, and metal accents. The contrasts were well engineered to highlight the complex construction that defines autumn/winter menswear. Leather featured heavily and was mixed with just about everything while metal detailing was predominantly kept to footwear. For more subtle detailing, look for leather trims, tweed panels and piping to add some interest.

There was a big focus on outerwear, with the coat taking centre stage on the a/w runways. Exquisite wool-blend, double-breasted coats were seen every where from Jil Sander, Paul Smith, Burberry Prorsum and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few. From military inspired coats sporting belted waists to the simply extravagant. Lapels were wider, reminiscent of Victorian times or indulgently covered in furs. Herringbone and tweed featured heavily with coat lengths extending to the knee.

Weekend style this season is all about the slim-fit corduroy; offering an alternative to the jeans and blazer combo we’re all slightly bored of now. Designers favoured a rich palette of reds, orange and greens at Rag & Bone, Bottega Veneta and PS by Paul Smith. The key to keeping this look fresh is through a contrasting palette and mixture of textures - try a pair of burgundy cords with a tailored denim shirt and chunky knit cardigan.

Moving on from the linen blazers of last season, this a/w it’s all about the velvet evening jacket. Presented in autumnal hues of burgundy, olive and midnight blue on the runways of Gucci, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana and Richard James; this season’s velvet jackets are slim-fit and pure luxe. Get more mileage out of this splurge item and wear as an alternative to a dinner jacket or dressed down with cords for a less formal evening out.

Warm chunky knits featured as outerwear on the runways; perfect for bridging the temperature gap between autumn and winter or worn layered when the colder weather sets in.  Seen at Missoni, Burberry Prorsum and J.Crew, look out for rich, heavy knits in wool and chenille and pair with this season’s wide leg pant for the evening or with slimmer pants tucked into boots for a younger day look.

For an instant but economical style update, try the new slick-to-wet hair look, throw your coat over your shoulders and embrace gentlemanly style!

www.lizzygardner.com

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