eStylista

How to… use Twitter

A friend's Facebook status sparked of this post. 

Twitter is a funny thing. We all know it's there. We also know have friends who are 'on' it. But what does one do on Twitter? Where do you begin?

This is Twitter 101. If you use Twitter already - skip the post, or even better add to it via comments. The Twitter help page has all this information, but here is my take.

Twitter is a 'micro-blogging' platform i.e. you say what you have to say in 140 characters. It does play havoc with your spelling and grammar but surprisingly, one gets used to it quickly.

It is opposed to blogging (which is what I am currently doing) where you can use how many ever characters you like.

Choose a relevant 'handle'. This is your identity on Twitter. It begins with the @ symbol. Mine is @priyankagill. Keep it simple, short as it eats into the 140 character limit when people reply. Use the ' _ ' symbol if you have to. Add numbers only as a last resort. Keep it in sync with your other social profiles for simplicity and consistency.

Fill out your profile. Put up a picture. It tells other Twitter users a bit about you. If yours is a public profile, search engines will also index it. So make it count.

Find your voice. You may be a mum of two with a great sense of humour or a fashion journalist or a die-hard knitter or a book-lover. Whatever you are interseted in, I promise there are more like you out there. Use twitter to connect with them. 

Tweet. Often. This means say something relevent, fun, interesting and do it regularly. By the way - its called a 'tweet' not a 'twit'. It's a verb. 

Find interesting people to 'follow'. This will add what they have to say to your 'time-line' which is like your newsfeed on Facebook.

If they are saying something that resonates with you - respond to it. Do it politely. Don't be intimidated. Even celebrities reply rather naturally on Twitter - at least the nice ones do. Like Jonathan Ross (@wossy) - he once responded to me... He's lovely! So did Barkha Dutt (@bdutt). She's quite active on Twitter and a great one to follow.

Twitter is about having a conversation and occasionally evesdropping on other people's conversations. Follow Suhel Seth (@suhelseth), his brother Swapan Seth (@swapanseth) and Soni Agarwal (@SoniAggarwal) to see what I mean.

Obviously follow all the celebrities. The verified ones have a tick next to their handle. It is almost like being a fly on their walls. The more socially savvy ones tweet well and connect. 

Follow friends for sure. They are most likely to support you, to have a conversation with you. But the beauty of twitter lies in how quicly you get to know perfect strangers really well. 

Twitter is great for news - I follow all major news sources. 

Apart from tweeting, you can also 'retweet' innteresting, informative tweets written by someone else. It is a way to send out information to your followers and share the expertise of people you follow.

For example, I follow Hussein Kanji (@hkanji). He is a hot-shot venture capitalist with a strong expertise in the tech world. He reads absolutely everything and tweets links to what he thinks is relevant. I get a big chunk of my tech news via him. I also retweet him a lot.

Use the inbuilt 'retweet' function or write 'RT' and copy, paste the tweet. ALWAYS credit the original writer. Never, ever pass on someone else's tweet as your own for obvious reasons. 

You can also quote a tweet. Comment and put the " " symbols around the quoted tweet.

Always reply when someone mentions you. Be polite. Say thank you for a nice mention or a retweet or even a follow, if you can. Good manners go a long way on Twitter (as they do in real life). Engage your followers. 

If someone annoys you (such people are called trolls) you can block them. I also block 'bots' - computer programmes that follow you, users with obscene profile pics and those who are plain rude!

If you begin a tweet with the handle - only people who follow both you and the other person can read it. To make it public, don't begin with the @ symbol - or at least put a "." before it.

Twitter is fun. The more you use it, the more rewarding it gets. It is a good way to pass time when you are waiting in a cue or are in transit. It also opens up your world to intelligent, wonderful people with a stimulating point of view. 

Film review: The Iron Lady

My review in this week's issue of Tehelka

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Phyllida Lloyd’s biopic of a powerful politician is a chronicle of ageing, loneliness, and sheer sadness, says Priyanka Gill

The Iron Lady is the herald of the many films, books and writings that will chronicle the life of Lady Thatcher, arguably the most famous British prime minister after Winston Churchill. Thatcher was an extremely polarising figure evoking strong opinions ranging from blind devotion to extreme hatred. As the only female prime minister in British history, she remained in power for 11 years.

However, this is not what the controversial film is about. Even one-time Thatcher rivals such as Michael Heseltine found the release of a film focusing on Lady Thatcher’s dementia whilst she is still alive ‘distasteful’. The Thatcher family has rejected the film. They have publicly refused to see it. David Cameron also came out against the film saying, “I wish they could have made another day.” Lady Thatcher’s detractors have taken the issue with its lack of criticism.

Thatcher’s tale is told through a series of flashbacks, through the disjointed memories of the octogenarian lady suffering from dementia-induced delusions. The film is a love story, an intimate look into her relationship with her husband Denis (played by Jim Broadbent). In the film’s timeline, he passed away several years ago, but she has touching conversations with him about the minutiae of her daily life and her past. Towards the end of the film we see her valiantly trying to banish his ghost from her mind in a tear-jerking bid to remain sane.

It’s a chronicle of ageing, depicting the loneliness, the loss of control and sheer sadness that is the unfortunate by-product of an inevitable process.

However, in doing so, the film reduces the strong leader to a senile woman. Her achievements are merely incidental to the storyline and her ruthlessness is a cautionary tale.

The Iron lady is a personal depiction of the guilt and regrets confronting a powerful leader in her fading years. The rise to power, her transformation into a force to reckon with and the many political storms she faced are just hinted at and tantalisingly dangled before the viewer. There is no perspective or historical context offered.

Meryl Streep, of course, remains the saving grace of the film. She delivers a stunning, maybe even an Oscar-winning performance. Not only is she a potent mimic of Thatcher’s mannerisms, but also manages to delve into the soul of the character created by director Phyllida Lloyd. With brilliant make-up and prosthetic enhancement (the process took two hours apparently), Streep portrays Thatcher to the hilt. Moving effortlessly and convincingly between the young and old periods, it is a master class in both acting and making the best of a rather loose script.

One almost wishes they had made the film like they cut its trailer—with a focus on the woman, her rise to power and her achievements. The dementia she became afflicted with in her latter years is an unfortunate ailment, not the key to decoding the woman behind the legend.

Llyod’s film is worth a watch, if only to inspire further study into the force of nature that Maggie Thatcher once was.

Priyanka Gill is a freelance journalist and an avid art collector. 
She blogs at www.estylista.com 

Inspiration for Spring...

Spring is nearly upon us. I am getting a bit tired of the greys and blacks I seem to wear all the time. London is enjoying a beautiful winter (I hope I don't jinx it). We are blessed with sharp, bright, crisp, sunny days. It may be time to welcome colour back into our lives and our wardrobes. 

Whiling away time on Net-a-porter (as one tends to often do) I picked a selection of items I really liked. They are a motivation to break away from my fashion comfort zone.

Also to do things that are different, fun activites one would not usually do. We fall into patterns so easily, its a good idea to change things around for a shift in perspective and to invite creative inspiration.

 

 

Spring 2012 by estylista featuring acetate sunglasses

 

Guest Post: Curry in a Hurry with Nisha Katona

Nisha Katona is an Indian cookery author, teacher and a full-time barrister. She also has a YouTube channel and tweets extensively on cooking @nishakatona.

Here is her 'curry journey' and why she became a passionate advocate for this staple of Indian cooking. She also shares her recipe for Butter Chicken - it is the real deal - not low cal for sure! But it's good to splurge on the calorie count once in a (rare) while! Just remember to go to the gym the next day....

I was born in England to two Indian doctor immigrants who came to the UK in 1968 but spent most of my youth avoiding my mothers uncool curries-everything Indian was "uncool" then.

Once I began cooking for myself, I realised that curry was a great social lubricant. It was tasty, cheaper to create than many other cusines and it definitely was a great conversation starter.

It was then that I became a 'curry evangelist'. 

My research showed that shockingly very few Indians of my generation can cook and over time, we lose the ability to cook Indian food simply, authentically and quickly. As a result, Indian food becomes synonomous with the heavy take-away dishes.

Historically first generation Indians who could afford to come to Britain were certainly rich enough to have cooks back home and hence very few of them were able to equip their kids with the ability to cook Indian food.

Many Indians who could cook, came here to work and were more interested in their children studying for the professions than cooking in the kitchen. 

Our mothers in the 60's and 70's were often working and culinary enlightenment and kitchen liberation involved  attractively packaged processed food. 

What we lost in this was the healthier, cheaper, home cooked meals along with the artistry, enjoyment, sense of achievement and social focus that cooking brings.

But things are changing again. Cooking at home is back in fashion. Chicken tikka masala is now almost a British national dish. It may not be authentic, but it shows the cultural melting-pot the UK has become.

My fail-safe dinner party centrepiece is this Butter Chicken recipe. I love it because it takes so little time and is so spectacular in its many layers of flavours and in its stunning deep red glory


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nisha's Butter Chicken

Chicken breast pieces marinated in Tandoori masala, yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic puree
3 Onions
1 inch grated Ginger
4 cloves of Garlic
1 dessert spoon Garam masala
1/2 tsp Chili powder
1/2 dessert spoon Ground coriander
1/2 dessert spoon Ground Cumin
1 dessert spoon Fenugreek leaves
4 tablespoons Tomato puree
1 Tin of tomatoes
1 small tub single cream
2 dessertspoons of butter
1 dessert spoon of sugar
Salt to taste

Fry the chicken pieces until half cooked. Put aside.

Chop and fry the onions, ginger and garlic until they start to turn brown.  Add the dried fenugreek leaves.  These are going to give this dish the authentic aroma of curry and a pleasing depth of flavour.

Add the garam masala, chili powder, ground coriander and ground cumin if you have them. If not do not worry - Garam masala is the one you really need.

Add the tin of tomatoes and briskly simmer this spiced sauce for about 5 minutes.  Now add the tomato puree, 2 cups of water, salt and sugar. You will now have the makings of a red masala sauce.  Blend this mixture to a smooth sauce consistency.

At this stage add your chicken pieces to the sauce and return the pan to a low heat and allow it to simmer until the chicken is cooked through.  

Now add the cream and butter and stir this in to give the masala a glossy finish. You may omit it if you like but it won't be authentic. The dish is called is 'Butter' chicken after all!

Garnish with freshly chopped coriander if you have it. Serve with rice or naan bread.

 

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eStylista at the Roberto Cavalli show, Milan Men's Fashion Week 2012

I have never attended a men's fashion show. So when a friend messaged saying that he had front row tickets to the Roberto Cavalli show at the Milan fashion week, I readily agreed.

And what fun it was.

Fashion-wise, the suits were beautifully cut, the materials were lovely and the colours largely wearable. But I don't really have that much to say for men's fashion. Although sone of the jackets were very interesting.

What I enjoyed was the spectacle.

Pre-show, Mr Cavalli was holding court in one corner.

It was very much like a large party. Photographers were milling around. People were posing and gaping at the fashion week clebs.

Vogue Italia editor, Anna Dello Russo looked rather spectacular in a sparkly, sequined number. She was sitting opposite us in the front row. Have I mentioned front row already?

The show began with a musician performing behind the screen. It was an interactive, entertaining backdrop to the gorgeous models (we were in Milan after all).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The finale was a bit surreal. The models stepped out in identical black ponchos. 

 

 

 

Eerie and slightly spooky, remniscient of Valentino and his red gown finale in the spring of 2008 when all the models wore identical red gowns.

 

 

 

 

Take a bow, Roberto Cavalli!

 

 

 

I also met Mr Cavalli for a few moments. He was very generous with his time and gracious with the many compliments given by fawning fans.

We ended up at the Cavalli club for the after-party. A restaurant that turns into a cool night club. The perfect place to unwind after a long day show-hopping or shopping.

What I wore to the show is a whole other post, but its coming up soon :)

Guest Post: Cook in a Curry with Maunika

Maunika is a freelance chef and food writer. I chanced upon her on Twitter and found her recipes quick, tasty and easy to follow. I asked her to give me a quick, healthy suggestion for people on the go. She came up with Goan Prawn Caldinho, a family recipe. I made it today and it was yummy! Her website has more cooking tips and recipes.

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Healthy food need not be boring food or bland.  Indian cuisine is a classic example where the use of spices and fresh herbs flavour a very delicious meal with a lot of healthy benefits.

My Goan Prawn Caldinho is just that – full of goodness - a curry that will keep you coming back for seconds. I have used prawns in this recipe. They are an excellent source of protein, low in fat with the goodness of omega-3.

Cooking seafood is really quick and also unlike meat or chicken marinating for 10-15 minutes is just fine. Reduced fat coconut milk has been used in the recipe which lends that creamy flavour to the curry and balances the dish beautifully (without the extra hit of calories of its full-fat counter-part)

Caldinho is a typical Goan preparation that is mildly spiced, usually made with fish but prawns or even just vegetables work very well too. The flavours in a Caldinho are tangy, sweet, lightly spiced with a hint of heat from the powdered spices. Slit green chillies are added towards the end for that kick of added heat but you can leave them out if you prefer.

Ingredients

400gms raw king prawns (de-veined with tails on)

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

A pinch of salt

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion finely chopped

1 medium tomato finely chopped

3 cloves garlic pounded to a paste

1” piece of ginger pounded to a paste

400ml reduced fat coconut milk

80ml water

1 tbsp tamarind paste

2 slit green chillies (deseeded if you prefer it mild)

A pinch of sugar

1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish

For the powdered spices;

1 tsp cumin seeds

10 peppercorns

1 tbsp coriander seeds

Preparation

In a bowl add the prawns and sprinkle over turmeric powder, vinegar and salt. Mix and set aside for 15-20 mins while you get the curry ready. In a coffee grinder tip in the cumin seeds, peppercorns and coriander seeds. Blitz to a fine powder and set aside.

Heat the oil in a saucepan (preferably one with a heavy base), add the onions and fry for 5-7 mins on a medium until they start to change colour to a light brown. Add the chopped tomato and fry for 3-4 minutes.

As they begin to soften add the garlic and ginger paste and fry for a further minute. Add the powdered spices and mix it all together. Fry for 2 minutes and tip in the marinated prawns. Stir them in the spiced sauce for a few seconds before pouring in the coconut milk, water and tamarind paste.

Bring the pot to a simmer, cooking the prawns for no more than 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Add the green chillies and sugar. Garnish with coriander leaves and check seasoning.

Serve with steamed basmati rice or some pav bread and a fresh zingy salad.

eStylista Loves: Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012

Prabal Gurung is as much of a star as the women he drapes. Based in NYC, his creations have graced the bodies of a wide array of celebrities like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Demi Moore.

Magazine editors love him, as do the fashion bloggers. Twitter is awash with a multitude of tweets declaring love for this rather engaging personality and his designs.

His career trajectory may well be the script of 'How to become a famous fashion designer 101'. Interesting background, Parson's School of design graduate, won award for first collection, worked for Donna Karan, spent 5 years as Design Director of Bill Blass and then launched his own label 'PRABAL GURUNG' - which went on to win several prestigious awards.

He's got the talent, the training, he's put in the hard work and sweat - and totally deserves the accolades.

Singapore born, Kathmandu raised and a trained at New Delhi's National Institute of Fashion Technology - he apprenticed under Manish Arora. So India can lay a small claim on this bright star of the fashion firmament.

I personally have been watching Gurung for over a year. His lines are clean, edgy and wearable. They are also distinctive. I predict big things in the future - he is definitely one to watch, wear and keep on your fashion wishlist.

The images are from ModaOperandi

Turning 30… Happy Birthday, Kate Middleton

Turning 30 is a milestone. It is a sign the carefree days are behind you and you have to knuckle down to the serious business of adulthood.

Psychologially (it was for me) 3-0 was a bit daunting. You take stock of what you've achieved. Not surprisingly, it seems a bit light. No longer are your future accompishments special because 'Oh, She's so young'. 

As a wise friend once told me, 20s are (for a lot of women) 'the lost decade' - a time for family, for finding your feet as a wife, a mother. By the time you enter the next decade, the question is 'what about me'. 

30 is when you grow up. 

Kate Middleton, of course has done it spectacularly.

Snagged a king-in-waiting, after almost a decade of patience. She is the embodiment of every little girl's princess fantasy.

She lives in a palace. The dress she wears sells out in an instant and she does not seem to put a foot wrong.

She even did her own wedding makeup, how brave do you have to be attempt that, especially when you wedding the the biggest media event in recent memory!

This brings me to the whole notion of 'celebrity'. We live in a world of instant gratification.

If you are rich enough, pretty enough, thin enough - or any combination of the above, you qualify for celebrity.  

Achievement is secondary, almost an after thought.

I saw 'The Iron lady' today.

While the film may have its detractors, Lady Thatcher's life was an inspiration. She was brave enough to take the unpopular call, to stand by what she thought right. It is so rare in today's day and age. That is worth aspiring to.

Kate Middleton's wardobe comes a close second :) !!

 

 

eStylista Loves: Hailo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is for Londoners (and for those visiting) - if you download one travel app - make it Hailo - one of the cleverest apps I've seen for a while.

Late last night, after a fun, buzzing evening at The Arts Club (all of London seemed to be there, it is the place to be at the moment), we were waiting outside the club with two dozen other people for a black cab.

Thanks to Hailo - we got ours within minutes and without the customary jostling that ensues when several people eye the same free taxi.

There is no need to enter your location (the GPS finds you). You also get a photo of the cab driver sent to your phone. To claim the cab - you simply show him your phone.

It beats Addison Lee as you know (to the minute) how long the cab will be. Add Lee's customer service is getting ruder by the day any way!

No booking fees, no waiting around (in the rain) craning your neck to see if a cab is coming down the road and best of all - you no longer have to fight for that one empty cab!

 

eStylista Loves: Sunscreen

'eStylista Loves' is a new section where I highlight my current favourite things, beauty potions, websites and everything in between!

I have said it (several) times before sun-screen is God - at least as far as skincare is concerned. All those expensive face creams and serums are pointless unless one is religious about applying sun-screen.

Defence is the best offense. If you take anti-ageing seriously (and you should) - wear sunscreen every single day of your life. Regardless of if you see the sun or not. Even if you are indoors. Lighting can also cause skin damage (at a much lesser extent than the sun of course)

My biggest bug-bear with sunscreen used to be bad memories of oily, smelly creams whilst growing up. Remember the Lakme sun-screen, goopy, sticky, left a white residue?

Wearing it wasn't worth the hassle and I never got into the habit. A bit of a pity as I could have avoided the sun spots and the dreaded pigmentation.

Now (thank the beauty gods) technology has changed and the latest generation of sun-screens are light and easy to wear.

The important factors to consider while choosing your a sun-screen is not just SPF but both UVA and UVB protection (a broad spectrum sunscreen). Vanity aside, wearing it is your best chance of preventing skin cancer. 

Whatever you buy remember that SPFs do not 'add up' when you layer up. If you are wearing a factor 15 spf and a factor 15 tinted moisturiser then the level of you protection is 15 - not 30. 

There are many, many brands vying for your beauty bucks. Here is the one I favour. A friend tried it when she came home to visit and was surprised by how easily it absorbs leaving no residue or sheen.

Institut de Esthederm

Photo Reverse Hyper Pigmented Skin Anti Brown Patches Fluid

 

Buy at Space NK

The eStylista guide: sparkles and furs

Winter is party time. It is that silly season when a multitude of Christmas parties descend upon us, demanding a great deal of wardrobe dexterity. Well-bought buys from Net-a-porter are often used, resulting in a rather efficient cost-per-wear ratio that would please the most demanding, savvy fashionista. (At least this is the logic I use explain my exuberant online shopping!)

It is the season for sparkles, sequins, shiny dresses and accessories that add cheer and warmth to a chilly winter's eve. The furs come out of storage. Faux or real - they are the one reason I almost look forward to braving the blustering winds and freezing temperatures that constitute a London winter.

My picks for Epicurean Life magazine.

My Style: Sun and sand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress: Emilio Pucci

Sunglasses: Chrome Hearts

Toes: OPI Charged-up Cherry

This photo was taken at Soneva Kiri, a Six Senses resort on Thailand's Koh Kood island. It was perhaps the most idyllic holiday I have ever had. The resort was eco-chic with serious luxury thrown in. The food was beyond superlative and they take their 'No news. no shoes' policy very seriously!

Packing well for a beach holiday is a study in minimalism. Swimsuits / Bikinis plus coverups, t-shirts and shorts, flip flops, sunglasses and an outfit or two for the evenings is purely optional! 

Its lazy, bright, colourful dressing that does not take itself seriously. Less is definitely more. I tend to favour the classics of beachwear - Missoni for its bikinis and coverups and Pucci for its wraps. 

A beach holiday is the best time to embrace simplicity. Everything is pared down. A light tinted moisturiser and a heavy duty sunscreen are pretty much the only beauty potions you need. The same goes for the makeup kit. My holiday routine is limited to putting on some lip balm and lining eyes with kohl (MAC's 'Smolder'). 

Before you jet off, all you need to add to the mix are a few weeks of serious work-outs in the gym plus a wax and a heavy-duty pedicure (I swear by Bliss Spa).

Fabulous photos for Facebook bragging are guaranteed!  

Tehelka-Newsweek ThinkFest

The Tehelka-Newsweek ThinkFest in Goa was a special experience - three magical, inspiring days spent with old friends at an incredible event.

To find out more, do visit the portfolio section for my article published in Hi! Blitz magazine's December 2011 edition.

 

The Birkin Diaries: The glossary

The Hermès marketing strategy for its Birkin bag is a master-class in savvy customer accquisition and retention.

Not only do they make the bag devilishly difficult to buy, but they construct an almost parallel world for what is in real terms - just a handbag.

I hear rumours of the waiting list being done away with (a nod to recession?) but haven't really seen it in action.

When I first went (with my husband) to an Hermès counter and said, rather confidently: "I am looking for a 35cm, Noir Togo with palladium hardware" - my husband thought I was slightly bonkers. The shop assistant also thought I was bonkers for who walks up to an Hermès counter with such a specific request and expects it to be taken seriously!

To decode: I was asking for a medium size Birkin in Black, made with their togo leather (the most common and basic leather) and silver metal.

Upon popular request, here is the cheat's guide to the Birkin. It is not exhaustive, but a good starting point. After this - make Google your buddy - lots of fab sites dedicated to this handbag.

Hardware

This is simple. 'Palladium' for silver and 'Gold' for gold. It refers to all the metal bits you see. 

Sizing

 The Birkin comes in several sizes. Small, medium, large get an Hermes upgrade! 

25cm: 'The baby Birkin' - it is great as an evening bag. Not something I would suggest as a first buy as it is not versatile. Cute though :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30cm: This is a great size, especially in a more expensive 'skin' (read: leather). It is big enough to carry your day-to-day stuff and small enough to be used as an evening bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

35cm: This is the size one sees most often. For this is perfect as a day bag. A bit to big to carry in the evenings but works well enough - It is a Birkin after all! Very practical as a work bag.

 

 

 

 

40cm: Here you are entering the large territory. The Birkin is not a light bag to carry - even empty it weighs a fair bit. With the 40cm you need deft manouvering skills to make your way through Harrods on a busy day!

50cm / 55 cm: Travel bags - make sure you engage a porter to carry the bag for you!

 

Colours

You don't really buy, for argument's sake, a blue Birkin. Firstly there are almost 20 shades of blue alone with romantic names like 'Bleu Jean', 'Bleu Saphir' (everything does sound better in French!). It takes a fair bit of research and familiarity with the brand to become comfortable with its nomenclature to know what someome means when they say they have a 'Graphite' or and 'Anthracite' (both variations of black of in Hermès-speak 'Noir').

Go to www.purseforum.com's colour reference page for more info

Skins

The entry level Birkin is usually a 'Veau Togo' leather. Veau means calf. Quite strong, hard wearing - it can take a fair bit of use without being too worse for the wear. Then you have the variants like Veau Swift, Veau Box and Veau Epsom. Same leather but treated differently.

Other names you will hear are Vache Liege, Vachette Crispee Fjord, Taurillon Clemence, Buffle and Chevre Mysore - referring to cow, bull and goat leathers.

After this you are moving into the 'exotic' territory (with exponential price add-ons): Ostritch, Lizard, Goat, Aligator and the ultimate being the Crocodile.

Cost

How much does a Birkin cost? General rule of thumb (and keeping currency fluctuations in mind) is that prices start from approx. USD 7000 and then they go up depending on the skin.

This places the Birkin in the ultimate 'investment piece' category!!! 

If you are a billionairess then you may even consider getting a bespoke Birkin made. It will be 'stamped' especially to show that it is a one of a kind. You may even spring for diamond encrusted hardware. (Gold and silver get too passé sometimes!)

Next up: Spot the fake Birkin

New year, new beginnings - resolution time!! Happy 2012….

There is something special about January 1.

It is a brand new slate. Everything is (metaphorically) wiped shiny clean and fresh possibilities abound.

It is the perfect time to begin that new diet, the new exercise regime that helped your girlfriend get back into her size 8 dress. A great time to detox your wardrobe, organise the gazillion makeup bits and bobs you have managed to accumulate and make that promise to take better care of yourself.

In case you are lacking inspiration (or like me thrive on lists) here is a long list of new year resolutions. Pick and own some of them!

Diet 

Cut back the simple carbs and sugars. This alone will see a dramatic difference in how those jeans zip up. Bread, desserts, rice and pastas begone (except for one cheat meal a week).

Drink lots of water and fluids. Herbal teas are fantastic - I am guzzling green tea these days. I try and begin my day with a glass of hot water with lemon and honey.

Add one big bowl of grilled or steamed veggies to your daily intake. Full of lovely vitamins and fibre - they also fill you up and may prevent that moment when you are heading to the cake tin for a sugat hit.

Juicing the veggies is a cheats way but equally effective.

The extreme option - Do a one week detox. Companies like Raw Fairies, Nosh Detox deliver them to your home. For the DIYers Jason Vale has good tips on his website. Continue with all your self discipline and constant visualisation of the shape you would like to be. 

My plan: I work well on deadlines and goals. No carbs, sugars or binges to - have to get into a pair of pre-baby jeans. Also will do a detox week soon to kickstart the year.

The eStylista tip: Supplemention is good, it makes up for those days when you don't eat as well as you should. Start taking (if you don't already) a high quality multi-vitamin, DHA supplement and probiotic. I am on New Chapter, Solgar and Udos at the moment.

Exercise

Aim for energetic exercise for one hour - three times a week. It is what is recommended for good health as well as for losing those inches. Mix it up - a couple of gym sessions, a run in the park, pilates, sipnning, dance classes - the possibilites are endless. Start with this (or build up to it). 

Extreme option: Do 5 sessions a week with at least 40 minutes of cardio three times a week. This along with a controlled diet sees the pounds drop dramatically.

My Plan - I've done the extreme options last year - my mantra for 2012 is consistency. I exercise 4 times a week. I do Heartcore pilates, am planning a return to my trainer Diego Core and will start running. May be even build upon the 10k I ran last year.

The eStylista tip: Walk everywhere - as much as you can.

Skincare

The one thing you HAVE to do without fail, every single day of the year - regardless of rain or sunshine is a good quality sunscreen. Even flourescent lighting ages your skin. First thing in the morning - slap it on. There is no better way to arrest the ageing process and begin to reverse the damage.

The eStylista tip: Upon recommendation from a very savvy friend - I use Esthederm. It works brilliantly and feels fab on the skin

Day time: A light serum, eye cream and moisturiser followed by sunscreen. 

Night time: I use Clarisonic  - it cleans beautifully, I follow up with a serum, eye cream and night cream.

I switch between Shu Umeura and La Prairie.

Keeping it simple is good - unless you are a beauty junkie. In that case, do send me good reccomendations!

Add ons: Aim for a facial every 6 weeks - Eve Lom is magical, as are the Bliss facials

Must do - a massive clear out of all your makeup and medicine cabinets. Throw out the stuff that is old like that miracle cream you bought but never used but now smells funny. When I did my clear out a few weeks ago, 10 different sunscreens were binned, along with 5 tinted moistureisers and three foundations!

Figure out what works - chuck what doesn't. Clean the make up brushes, sharpen all pencils.

The simple act of organising your cabinets will feel very liberating and begin 2012 well.

Wardrobe

If your clothes are easy to find then read on to the next bit. But if your sweaters are mixed up with your tees, then set aside some time to do a clear out. Get in The Practical Princess girls if you are feeling flush. For sure buy Elika's book and get inspired. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you do just one thing for your closet - give your underwear drawer a good once over and go shopping!!

Most imporantly - remember to smile, to stay in the moment. Send that text, make that call, connect with the important people in your life. Seek out positive, happy people and cut out the negativity!

Have a fantastic 2012!!