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Sunday, 26 December 2010

Crisis at Christmas


Spending the last few days out in London’s freezing cold weather conditions has reminded me of how many people will be spending the whole of the Christmas period outside in them, with no family, food or even a comfortable bed to sleep in let alone all the other great things most of us get to experience around this time of year. Crisis is an amazing charity who offer thousands of homeless people warm food, company, entertainment and most importantly, a comfortable bed to sleep in every year on Christmas day. 
I helped out with Crisis at their homeless shelter in Hammersmith in London over the Christmas period and I could'nt recommend a more humbling experience. 
The whole atmosphere of happy smiling faces is an amazing experience – on both the volunteers and ‘guests’. The stories you hear are sometimes sad, but also sometime happy, but you will learn some amazing skills and quite simply make someone’s Christmas. I could talk all night on specific examples – and am happy to elaborate more if anyone is interested – however if you are in London next Christmas you may want to spare a couple of days to dedicate to some people (often truly lovely and a joy to meet) who have had a tough time in their life. And when you hear their stories there is often little between ‘them’ and ‘us’ – apart from some bad luck which has spiraled out of control.
I’ve got to to know a man from Ireland who has been on London’s streets for over 20 years. To me, Christmas is meeting up with him in the Shelter and having a cup of tea and a long chat with him. As I said, it’s addictive and I would miss it if I didn’t do it. know it’s a scary thing for many of you – which is why I welcome your questions. However what I always say to people is, give it a couple of hours at least. If you really hate it no-one is going to hold you there – but I reckon you’ll be there for much longer
Many thanks for reading this – I hope you've had a lovely Christmas and remember always think about the ones less fortunate than us. 
Camelia, Director of The Divine Image x

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

Introducing Natalie - Our New Hair and Make-Up Stylist


We would like to welcome the lovely Natalie Guest to The Divine Image.  Since moving to London in early 2009 from New Zealand, Natalie has been working on film, fashion and beauty makeup and hair styling work. Natalie has worked on feature films, high profile ad campaigns and has had work published in local and national magazines in London.
Camelia Fredericks, our founder and MD of The Divine image has personally interviewed Natalie and has nothing but praise for her. Competing against numerous applicants, Natalie was offered the job almost immediately after her mock session with Camelia due to her passion in what she does, her excellent hair and make-up skills, her professionalism and friendly and warm nature. 
Getting to know Natalie…….
Isabella: Whats the top hair trend for this season?
Natalie: Hi Isabella, firstly I'd like to say hello and thanks for the warm welcome!
Going into winter, trends are getting longer and more relaxed after a summer of high ponys and side braids. I'm seeing a lot of 40's inspired waves and curls, along with long tousled bobs with strong fringes. Having said that I think Emma Watson's pixie crop is going to start being replicated pretty soon, even though we are approaching winter! It's quite a statement cut, so it's not for everyone, but it's another sign that short, slightly androgynous cuts are still on trend, in keeping with Rihanna's short do last year.
Isabella: Top hair colour, in your opinion, for this season?
Natalie: Well red has been a very popular colour all year, with celebrities such as Florence Welch and Paloma Faith sporting vibrant reds. This seems like a trend that is not going away just yet so I think we'll see lots more cherry reds all over the place going into winter.  In-keeping with this flash of colour, there has also been a bit of a back lash against going darker for the winter season with rich golden blondes being very popular as well. This is probably due to the popularity of retro 40's styles which always look great with a warm blonde
Isabella: Favourite celebrity hairstyle and why?
Natalie: I love Scarlett Johansson's style. Whether she's wearing her hair up or down she always gets it right. She is often sporting lovely vintage inspired waves and curls, which look really great on her and are not too far fetched for us ordinary folk to try!
I also love how Jennifer Aniston's style has pretty much stayed the same for about a decade! She knows what works and she sticks to it, looking great the whole time - a lesson in if it's not broke, don't fix it!
Isabella: Do most models really have fabulous hair or is that the work of a gifted artist such as yourself?
Natalie: Most models don't have fab hair - unless they are hair models of course! There is a lot to be said for a good smoothing serum, cleverly placed hair and of course great photoshop I'm afraid! 
Isabella: Which make-up brand do you mostly use on your clients and why?
Natalie: I use a broad range, from pro artist brands to luxury names to high street brands, depending on what job I am doing and which product is best for that particular task. This is all based on the performance of the product, not where I bought it or how much it cost. Having said that, I do have a bit of a favourite - Make Up For Ever, which is a pro makeup artist brand. I use their HD Invislible Cover Foundation as it is almost invisible to both the eye and cameras and feels amazingly light, while still providing a great coverage - especially good for brides and my work in film. 
Isabella: What is your beauty advice for our clients?
Natalie: Your skin changes as you age so it's important to keep your routine and products appropriate to your skins condition.
I believe everyone should have a daily moisturiser with at least spf15 in it as the sun is a big threat to youthful looking skin. Wear it everyday, all year round. Also remember to take your makeup off before bed and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and elastic.
Isabella: Any favourite hair and beauty products you would recommend?
Natalie: Yes! For fuss-free hair brushing, get yourself a Tangle Teaser and say goodbye to knots. For the face, I love my Soap & Glory face massage mini mitt for gentle exfoliation before bed followed by a couple of drops of Bio Oil massaged into my face at night which leaves my skin feeling so smooth - great if you have dry skin.
Isabella: What made you join The Divine Image team?
Natalie: As soon as I knew what The Divine Image was about I knew I wanted to be part of it. I love the idea that through teaching the Makeup Masterclass I might open the door to a new outlook on makeup and feeling good for someone who just needs a little guidance in looking great, and therefore feeling better about themselves. 
Thank you, Natalie and welcome to The Divine Image. 
Isabella, Marketing Manager for The Divine Image x


Monday, 15 November 2010

Clinique Mascara - Free Sample



Get a free sample of Clinique High Impact or High Lengths mascara when you trade in your old mascara at Boots. It can be any brand of old mascara, it doesn't have to be Clinique.

To get the freebie, simply visit the Clinique counter in your nearest Boots and hand in your old/empty mascara. Then choose which one of the two Clinique samples you'd like. The offer ends Tues 16 Nov.

Thursday, 11 November 2010

The Art of Conversation




The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence and intelligence. People who speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful
If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are a few tips that can help enhance your conversational skills and boost your image.
Be well versed on current events.
Make it your mission to be a generalist. Read local and national newspapers and magazines. Be up-to-date on current events in the UK and around the world.
Ask questions
People loved to be asked questions. Ask people for their opinions, ask what they think of various topics. Add what your opinion is; but steer clear of controversial topics. When you ask questions, be genuinely interested in what your asking. Ask about their family, or what is their interests? You’ll be sure to get a response! On the other hand, it’s rude and unmannerly to hound someone with a bucketful of questions.
Always listen
Listen to the other person talk above all else. Ask questions about their interests, family, work and background to get to know them better. As long as you can pay attention to what they're saying, paraphrase what they've said or formulate more questions to keep the discussion going, they'll find the conversation fascinating.
Attending an event
Before you go to an event, think of who may attend. Then think of a few questions you can ask to start a converstation. When you arrive at your hosts home, take a look around and inside their home, see what may be their interests. If your hosts, for example are interested in art, you most likely will see many paintings or artistic features displayed around the home.
Know when the conversation is over
Even the best conversations eventually run out of steam. Shake hands with the other person, and be sure to tell them that you’ve greatly enjoyed talking with them. Ending a conversation on a positive note, will leave a good impression, and likely bring them back later!
Camelia Fredericks, Director of The Divine Image x

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

A Pinch of Posh





Some say good manners and proper etiquette are out of style. 

Not so, according to etiquette coach and London's leading personal stylist, Camelia Fredericks of The Divine Image. "Most people don't realise having good manners, knowing your etiquette and having top-notch social skills can, not only increase your standing in the eyes of others, it can make you feel more confident, and more poised. The fact is, being polished and having the right attitude gives you an absolute advantage in every area of your life".

Here are some tips from Camelia Fredericks, for the most common social situations that make people feel uncomfortable and how to deal with them:

1. What To Wear?
"Always dress up, because you can always dress down. Never dress down, because you can never dress up!"


What you wear, at any age, expresses one's lifestyle. Studies indicate successful people in virtually every business have developed a look and image that says success. Think of clothing as currency used to barter goodwill. What you wear conveys messages of status: authority, power and rank; personality: friendliness, dependability and adventurousness; character: trustworthiness and good judgment.


Hire a personal shopper, image consultant or personal stylist to advice you on how to project the brand you wish to reflect to others. It is a true investment and will only enhance your life both in your personal and professional life.


2. Is that the time?
In the olden days it was rude to arrive late for a party or event. There was no such thing as being “fashionably late”. Lateness was rudeness – always. "To arrive fashionably late is to be without social grace" says Camelia Fredericks. Do not arrive late and do not leave too early or too late.

3. Chivalry still exists
A true gentleman would always open doors for ladies. Whether it be the lady they were driving, or a stranger entering a building, it was always the done thing. This has now almost entirely vanished – and it is not entirely the fault of the men. I have seen women sneer at men for opening a door for them. They seem to be confusing manners with chauvinism. Our advice in this case is to smile at the sneering lady and open the door anyway. Likewise, it should not stop a lady from keeping a door open for a man who is right behind her. This is merely good manners.


4. Is that my phone ringing? 
Mobile phone abuse is common these. Monitor the volume of your ringtone and remember there's always the vibrate function. Ensure your conversation is not disturbing others. Intimate conversations are never appropriate in front of others. Camelia Fredericks advises to try and respect other people's privacy. Never use bad language, have rows or talk about money in front of others in public places.


5. Which knife do I use?
It can be overwhelming to sit down to a formal dinner and have an array of plates, utensils and glassware before you and no idea which ones you should use. Remember, your napkin and bread plate are on your left and your drinks are on your right. If you are concerned about your utensils, work from the outside to the inside in the silverware placement. It’s good to remember that dirty silverware should never touch the tablecloth and neither should your elbows. Do not eat until everyone has been served, and even so, wait until your host begins. When in doubt, always follow your host. 


6. Write a thank you note.
It is never too late to thank someone. Even if a couple of weeks or even a month has lapsed, write a note expressing how much you have been thinking about the nice gesture or the lovely gift. It is a shame that gift giving has now become a virtual obligation and the idea of a thank-you note would be scoffed at. If you ignore every other item on this list, at least try to teach your children to write thank you notes – they will have a greater appreciation of gifts they receive.

7. Actions speak louder than words!
The Golden Rule still applies for good etiquette in all situations - for all genders: Treat others as you would have them treat you. Both women and men should be comfortable helping others with their coats, chairs, doors and the elevator. Even though "gentlemanly acts of kindness" should be promoted in a social setting, the business arena is gender neutral. Good posture, a pleasant facial expression and appropriate eye contact will help to make a good first impression and contribute to a positive interaction with others.


The Divine Image Team x


Sunday, 31 October 2010

Mulberry - My Guilty Pleasure

It's Sunday and it's gym day but hey I’m in quite a good mood. By all rights it should be foul as I slept terribly! I did that thing where you have a bad dream, wake up and then convince yourself someone is burgling your house. I laid awake for about 45 minutes staring at a dark doorway, which I think you can agree are the actions of a lunatic.

I swear I had a point when I started writing this… oh yes! I know it’s early but if you are thinking of getting a handbag either for yourself or as a Christmas present, I would definitely suggest the Mulberry Margaret Mini Bag in Suede Grape. It is truly divine. It was a 'treat me day' yesterday and boy, am I pleased with my treat. 

The colour is so sophisticated and classy and of course, how can you go wrong with a Mulberry. Named after Princess Margaret, there is a sculptured logo plaque of our 'We Believe in Tea and Cake' Crest complete with English Bulldogs, teapots and cupcakes. 

Princess Margaret had a fun-packed lifestyle and she was also beautiful and stylish……. so go grab one girls and live life to the full every time you take it out just as she would have!!

Camelia, Director of The Divine Image x  

Monday, 25 October 2010

The Food of Love



Dates have the potential to be great; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find your soul mate and determine whether or not the glove fits. But whether the first date was a success or not, the likelihood of your seeing her again depends a lot on which restaurant you choose.


My personal favourite has to be this boutique hotel by the Thames in Richmond. It is a wonderful destination for a romantic getaway, with a leafy terrace and seductive, high-ceilinged cocktail bar. The dining room is beautifully decorated in shades of silver & gold and it is home to some of the best cooking that Richmond has to offer. 


Once you’ve taken in the heavenly views across the Thames, sit up & prepare for your gustatory senses to be engaged. Overtly complicated, clever food is the deal here, & the kitchen comes up with some gob-smacking, fascinatingly intricate dishes. 


I would definitely recommend the Bigham Hotel in Richmond for a very romantic first date!

Camelia, Director of The Divine Image x





Sexy Killer Shoes

Girls, if there is one pair of sexy killer shoes you need this Christmas, get to Dune and get this drop dead pair now. I absolutely love it...sexy, sophisticated and sassy...remind you of anyone? :-)

Thursday, 21 October 2010

The Miracle Serum


We all know that I absolute love Creme de la Mer and would give anything for a bottle of this miracle serum (well almost anything!)  I use it both personally, and professionally, and have my clients hooked on this. I put it to the ultimate test; I applied it after a night of drinking several glasses of  Pinot Noir with the girls, and staying up until a ridiculous hour.  Remember, I am in my 40"s; late nights and wine make for a very unpleasant complexion in the morning. 
The result was pure bliss.  Instead of looking like a tired alcoholic, I looked like a bright eyed teenager.  Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I still looked pretty darn good considering the night before.  
Love this stuff and it really does work!
Camelia, The Divine Image, Director x

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

We love Zara


We absolutely love the fact that not only is Zara online but that they have a clean, sharp website and a really high-end styled lookbook. It definitely has a much more designer feel than some other high-street retail sites.
And if we didn't think we could love them any more... Zara is not only easy on the purse strings, but you can shop conscience-free because your items will be delivered to you in an environmentally friendly package. Perfect.
Camelia, The Divine Image, Director x

Wednesday, 13 October 2010

Wardrobe Warrior

Do you know that studies have shown that most people wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. Most women have too many clothes and say they have nothing to wear and most men still have in their wardrobe the jeans they wore in university or in their teens and think one day they will wear them. Really, and will you look the same? Do you still look like you did then, are you not older and more mature?
Most of us want to learn, change and develop during our lives and yet so many people do not learn what clothes they should have to suit their body shape, colouring and most importantly their personality or plan and buy items to reflect their lifestyle and budget. The result is people spend money on items of clothes they are not happy with and don’t wear. Purchase items that their friends or family persuade them to buy which reflect their wardrobe personality and not theirs.
Do you sort, organise and plan your wardrobe? Like any project it gives good results.
7 tips on Sorting Your Wardrobe
  1. Start 4 piles, one for the clothes you love (and go back in the wardrobe), one for ones to go out, one for items need mending and one for not sure and then ask:
  2. Has the item seen it better days, is it still wearable?
  3. Will I wear it again or does it not suit me or I don’t like it – wrong personality?
  4. Does it fit me? Is it too small, too big or wrong shape?
  5. Do I need it in my lifestyle – moved on, too young?
  6. Love it madly, need it badly or I get rid of it?
  7. Give items to charity , sell them on ebay or contact Shelter and donate items to those who need may be glad of them.  
Your wardrobe should be an extension of your personality, read my book onwardrobe personality (“Being Truly You – Discovering Your Own unique Wardrobe Personality” ) by keeping in mind the following basic principles you can have the perfect wardrobe on a budget that reflects your style.
Does anything need to be altered to make it work? Can I add some accessories to give the right look? I help clients change items to a new look e.g. pin up hemlines to a more flattering length, change the shape of sleeves, add darts to create shaping – there are all sorts of alteration options available to increase the lifespan and wearability of a garment.