Staying pretty AND stylish in London can be an expensive job! So if all this high maintenance up-keep is playing havoc with your bank balance then help is at hand with this exciting competition!

Pretty Stylish London has teamed up with Seven Dials, to offer five lucky readers an exclusive Seven Dials Privilege Card, which will entitle you to a *10% discount at over 70 stores, salons and venues throughout Covent Garden’s hidden village.

Seven Dials should be in every London gals’ little black book – it’s a shopping oasis far removed from the chaos of the high street and boasts some of the best boutiques, urban flagship and grooming establishments in the city, not to be mention great places to eat, drink and celeb spot.
The card will entitle you to discounts in stores such as American Apparel, Coco De Mer, Diesel, Firetrap, MAC, Miller Harris, Mimco, Miss LaLas Boudoir, Office, Poste Mistress, Mint Vintage, Adee Phelan Hair Salon and Kitchen Italia to name but a few!

For your chance to win, you must be following the blog or subscribing to email updates. Then check out the Seven Dials website to answering the follow question:

What date is the Seven Dials Shopping Evening, is it taking place on:
A) 24th March
B) 14th April
C) 29th April

Simply comment with your answer by 10th April to enter. Please remember to include your twitter account, or an email to reach you on. Good Luck!

Web: www.sevendials.co.uk
Follow Seven Dials on Twitter

* Terms and Conditions Apply.

I've recently discovered Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soaps. These naturally moisturising soaps are organic come in a variety of yummy scents including Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rose and Lemon Grass Lime.

My favourite to use is the Organic & Fair Trade Shikakai Hand & Body Soaps (£6.99). It's a smooth, rich caramel-colored soap, made up of an organic blend of white grape juice, sucrose and Shikakai powder, coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, citric Acid and vitamin E. While some soaps can leave the skin feeling stripped of moisture, the Shikakai soap foams into a rich lather and skin feels cleansed and soothed.

Dr. Bronner’s is the No. 1 selling organic soap brand in the USA, famous for not using any synthetic components in their products, and all major ingredients come from certified Fair Trade sources throughout the world. It's no wonder UK fans are flocking to department store Liberties and Waitrose supermarkets to get their hands on the multi-use soaps. Not just for hands, Dr. Bronner's soaps are also ideal for shampooing and body.

Have you tried Dr. Bronner's Soaps? Leave your comments.

Web: www.drbronner.com

Congratulations to Luce, Ally and Alexia who entered the Vitality Show competition. Their entries were picked at random and all three have won tickets to this year's show.

I'm always interested in learning more about Pretty Stylish London readers, so I asked the winners to share some interesting facts about who they are and what they do:


Luce writes Get Lippie a blog fueled by her makeup addiction. She is accountant by day, with a sideline in cosmetic personal shopping. Handy with an eyeliner, not so hot with a digital camera. She loves putting products through their paces exploding myths about organic and natural beauty.
www.getlippie.com

Ally is a 21 year old lover of all things beauty related, colourful and sparkly. I am a freelance make up artist in my spare time specialising in Indian Bridal hair and make up as well as Henna. Her beauty blog shares her passion of all things beautiful. Some of her favourite things include cupcakes and tropical islands, Lipsticks and shoes. Her daily life consists of plenty of books, world politics and lots of eyeliner.
www.xallycatx.blogspot.com



Alexia is a Parisian living in London specialising in events design. Her website and blog which will showcase her work is currently under-construction so find out more about her creative flair via: twitter.com/DecadenceDesign




The Vitality Show takes place from the 18th - 21st March, for further information click here

Web: www.thevitalityshow.co.uk

For afternoon tea without the fuss, teapod in Tower bridge is a easygoing, relaxed place to visit. The contemporary tea and coffee house serves up a delicious selection of warming drinks, sweets and savories with a passion.

The understated surroundings leave no room for pretentious presentation and there's no gilted crockery in sight. Rather, the food and service speaks for it self - after all the proof is in the taste.

Though modest and very much boutique, the tea room is no plain jane; the interesting colour scheme of magenta and lime green achieves a fresh vibe, evoking both a feeling of energy and tranquility.

The afternoon tea menu consists of salmon and cucumber bites, rustic scones with clotted cream and homeade jam, a rich baked raspberry and white chocolate brownie, complete with your own pot of steaming hot tea. Whether you love the traditional breakfast or wish to opt for something more exotic such as Moroccan mint, the choice is yours.


At £11.00 per person, the price is impressively affordable and befitting for this delightful gem of a eatery.

teapod tea and coffee house
Cardamom Building,
31 Shad Thames,
London SE1 2YR
Tel: (0)207 407 0000
Web: www.teapodtea.co.uk

Well done to Rosalyn, of beauty blog Primp and Preen for entering the Benefit Goodies Giveaway this week.

Her comment was picked at random and the Boiing Concealer with Brows a-go-go kit is on route to her letterbox.

Rosalyn's blog is a place where she shares her musings on make up and beauty products whether they be good, bad or ugly.

Rosalyn - I hope you enjoy the products and share with other readers what you think about them, leave your comment and give us your thoughts. xx

Last week I attended a Bobbi Brown event for an introduction to their new Pretty Powerful campaign. It takes a look into the relationship that women have with makeup and how it makes them feel. Many of us at the event agreed that it made us feel a little more 'polished', 'put together' and more confident.

The idea behind Pretty Powerful is to show how a few simple tweaks to your daily makeup routine can help you achieve more beautiful results for added confidence in looking your best.

I had the opportunity to try out some products with Bobbi Brown's Head of Artistry Paul Herrington. He showed me how in less than 10 minutes, I could brighten my normal makeup look with Pout Rouge (£16.50) and Long-wear Gel Eyeliner (£15.00).

Normally, I shy away from wearing cream blush because my skin can be oily and within a few hours the colour melts into the skin. And I don't wear much eyeliner partly because I'm too impatient to put it on and also the fact that I never quite mastered the liquid liner look.

But I was presently surprised to discover how fool-proof it was to apply Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner. With the nifty eyeliner brush in tow, making my eyes pop is now easy. The Pout Rouge for Lips also works a treat on my cheeks and has the staying power I need.

Prior to the event, I only had one Bobbi Brown product in my makeup kit, and that was the Shimmer Brick; a must-have especially during the Summer to pull off a dewy, golden look. However, now I'm keen to stock up on more Bobbi Brown essentials for the sheer ease and versatility of the brand.

Check out my before and after photo to see how I went from 'pretty' to 'pretty powerful'. (No, I'm not indulging in self appreciation here, merely quoting the words of Paul Herrington! ).


To find out how Bobbi Brown can take you there too, visit your nearest store, or watch the video campaign online at www.bobbibrown.co.uk/prettypowerful

My question to you is how does makeup make you feel? Leave your comments please!

The 14th of March is Mothering Sunday in the UK. The time when it is encouraged to give mum the day off; pamper her, shower her with gifts, and make her feel extra special. If you're looking for an alternative from the traditional bunch of flowers and a box of chocs, here some gorgeous ways to say 'Thanks Mum'.


Afternoon Tea With A Twist

The Trafalgar Hotel is launching Afternoon Tea with a difference just in time for Mother's day. Offering a modern take on a classic tradition, the chefs have worked up a winning menu to include iced tea cocktails, salmon and caviar sandwiches and rich chocolate opera band. At an introductory price of £15.50 per person, this is one sweet treat mum will absolutely love.

When you book in advance there is also the chance to have a beautiful mother-daughter sketch portrait on the day by artist Kirk Kirtchev, priced at £90.00 - it's the perfect keepsake for mum to have pride of place on the mantelpiece. To book call +44 20 7870 2900

The Trafalgar
2 Spring Gardens,
Trafalgar Square,
London, SW1A 2TS
Web: www.thetrafalgar.com

Pampering Superskin Face Treats

Liz Earle, my new skincare crush is offering the ideal beauty gift for mum; the offer includes iconic products such as Superskin Concentrate 10ml, Superskin Moisturiser 15ml, a sample of Superskin Eye and Lip, all smartly presented in the White Superskin bag for £29.25.

Liz Earle products are rich in antioxidants, calming and nurturing ingredients to help boost the skins elasticity and perk up the complexion. Tell mum that she doesn't need a dresser full of anti-aging products, it's all here naturally in one pampering pack. Place your orders at uk.lizearle.com


A Creative Mother's Day At Bead Aura

If mum is big on accessories, then book her into Bead Aura's jewellery making class where she can learn the basics of making jewellery in a one hour beading master-class, and leave with her very own personal bracelet or necklace. An hour long class is priced at £22 per person so you can double up to share the experience.

Bead Aura
3 Neal's Yard
WC2H 9DP
Web: www.sevendials.co.uk

Pretty Stylish London has two fabulous Benefit products to giveaway. One lucky reader will win Benefit Boiing - the industrial-strength concealer (in shade 02), perfect for hiding dark circles, shadows and discoloration. And Brows a-go-go; the all-in-one brow and eye shaping kit.

So fingers at the ready to enter this quick fire competition! To be in with a chance of winning you must be following the blog - simply leave a comment telling us why you'd love to have these two Benefit beauty essentials. Ready, set, GO!

Winner picked Monday 8th March
For more information on Benefit cosmetics visit: www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Yesterday I attended the Viva Glam launch of two new lipsticks to raise awareness of MAC Cosmetics' Aids Fund. The new campaign entitled 'From our Lips' is fronted by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, the new spokespersons for the fund, and the event was hosted by Sharon Osbourne.

The star studded gathering had Britain's fashion and entertainment darlings in attendance including models Agyness Deyn, Tallulah Adeyemi, designer Henry Holland and diva extraordinaire Jodie Harsh.

It was an intimate 'audience with' and both Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper had much to say about the subject of HIV and AIDs. Fans of MAC and the divas alike from all over the world emailed questions for Sharon Osborne to invite the feisty duo to address.


The discussion shared the extent to which MAC are working with pharmaceutical companies to develop a female condom, and donating the full price of the new lipsticks (£12.50) to their charity.

It is understood that 2.5 million dollars will go to locations with the highest level of aids infection such as Africa, the Caribbean and Queens, New York. More money will be distributed to other affected countries and cities as needed.

Flamboyant and as iconic as ever, it is hoped that the discussion between Gaga and Lauper on the subject of HIV and AIDS will encourages people to think and act differently about the disease. One of the biggest preconceptions is that AIDS is primarily a gay disease, but the infection rate of heterosexuals is vast enough to challenge that myth.

At one point the discussion turned to solemn was when Cyndi Lauper talked openly and somewhat emotionally about loosing a best friend to the disease in the 1980s. It was this loss that made her pay more attention to protecting herself from the infection. She said to ignore the importance of safe sex would have been a disservice to her friend who lost his life.

When asked what their message to women around the world about sex is? Lady Gaga spoke bluntly in saying 'Wrap it up with a condom. Women are now the highest demographic of the infected'. In agreement Lauper stated 'Women need to feel strong enough to say 'I practice safe sex, or nothing at all' - protect yourself and don't be a knucklehead! Viva Life, Viva Glam'.

Web: www.macaidsfund.org

During Fashion Week, Look Magazine put on a spectacular fashion show at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. It was a star-studded event with the likes of pop princess Pixie Lott and catwalk veteran Erin O'Connor in attendance.

Top fashion brands including Dorothy Perkins, Mango, Reiss and French Connection combined pieces to create fabulous looks for the new season, including an oh so pretty floral playsuit by ASOS. Bring on Spring! Here are some highlights.

Web: www.look.co.uk

Cult leisure brand Fat Face recently added a new style of denim to their collection entitled Carrot. The relaxed boyfriend fit denim is in a heavy vintage wash and sits low with a slouchy fit on the hips yet slim at the calves and ankles.

Perfect for pear-shaped girls like me who find skinny jeans less than flattering, the Carrot denim is a brilliant alternative; with angled front pockets and cinch back waistband, it's tapered to fit like skinny jeans and I love the fact that I can adjust the waist for a snug fit.

I've always had trouble finding the perfect skinnies; thanks to my wide hips and a smaller waist, the proportions never seem to work, but I think I've found the perfect match. Here's a snap of my carrot denim, it's so comfy I live in them most weekends. Carrot denim is available to buy online, now reduced to £44.00.

Web: www.fatface.com

What do you think of the new Carrot denim?