PARTY, PARTY!

It's party time again at the East End Thrift Store. Tonight sees the return of the vintage shop's famous party with lots of new Summer stock available for you greedy hunters to get your hands on. But that's not all, there is also 20% off EVERYTHING and free drinks!

DJ's will be spinning music to get you in the mood for bargain hunting. Did somebody say BARGAIN?

7:30pm March 31st 2011
The East End Thrift Store, Watermans Building, Unit 1A Assembly Passage, E1

www.theeastendthriftstore.com

SAMPLE SALE: PETER JENSEN

What's this another sample sale? Sure is! London based Peter Jensen is known for his quirky designs. Think loud blouses, colourful dresses, embroidery and bias cuts. Seriously cute clothes, great for al fresco lunches with the girlies. With up to 50% off, it's definitely worth a visit.

Fri 1st April 6-9pm, Sat 2nd April 10am-6pm,
Look East Studios, 18-24 Shacklewell Ln, E8
www.peterjensen.co.uk

SAMPLE SALE: MARGARET HOWELL

British clothes designer Margaret Howell is selling off her clothes, home products and fabric in a two day sample sale. Howell is known for her timeless, comfortable, contemporary designs and love of uniform dressing.

Well worth a visit if you’re revamping your work wardrobe especially with up to 80% off prices.

Thurs 31st March & Fri 1st April 9am - 7pm
The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, W1K
www.margarethowell.co.uk

MENS HAIR PRODUCTS...

This weeks men's hair product review comes in the shape of a cricket ball. Based on the idea that men like to play with balls the boffins at Brycreem put a flexible memory hair style product into a cricket ball. Albeit the package is a bit naff and adolescent, I don't want a cricket ball on the same shelf as all my expensive aftershave and slick products, maybe I am just not a fan of cricket. But the little fella does pack balls! The paste is quick and easy to use and it's matte finish didn't turn to grease after a few hours. This can be used on both wet and dry hair and it works, restyle whenever you feel the need to 'top up' your look. Better still is the price, under £2.50. Bargain!

HAIRCUT 100: RUSH COVENT GARDEN

Rush have over 55 salons throughout London and the South, LondONtheInside popped into the Covent Garden salon to see how it faired up. As one of the original Rush salons the décor is fairly simple but it does the trick.

We were treated to a cut, semi-permanent colour and replenishing treatment. Our stylist was friendly and knowledgeable and offered us some great guidance on colour shades. We opted for, well actually we were advised to have a darker shade underneath and lighter shade on top to make the colour more striking. The good sports that we are, we went with it and we have to say it looks good.

The shampoo and head massage were also to our liking although the stylist was a bit scissor happy and the chop was a little shorter than we wanted. But we're happy to say 2 weeks in  and it's looking fab! Plus we were offered a glass of complimentary wine which is a nice touch as many salons now charge for this treat.

If you haven't tried RUSH yet we suggest you do, new customers get 50% off at selected salons but you better rush the offer ends April 15th.

Covent Garden Hair Salon, 14 Bedford Street, WC2E

HOUSE OF HACKNEY POP UP

Our HQ is in Hackney which is why we got excited when we found out about the House Of Hackney Pop up shop.

Described as 'Colefax and Fowler on acid' the House of Hackney label overhauls the concept of traditional home wares and brings them bang up to date with their playful and irreverent prints. With collections named Dalston Rose, Queen Bee and Hackney Empire, it's the perfect way to show your neighbourhood some love.

Products include wallpaper, bone china, furniture, mirrors and fabrics.

The Pop Up Shop hits Dalston March 31st - April 3rd above Lily Vanilli’s 180, the private members cake club. Which is handy for those of you who want to indulge in some cake and absinthe ice-cream. Just remember to look out for the House of Hackney Hot Shop Girl, we've heard she's a looker!

76 Stoke Newington Road, N16

www.houseofhackney.com

SAMPLE SALE: MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

There has never been a better time for a Matthew Williamson Sample Sale. The sun is shining outside and it’s nearly dress weather, and everybody knows Matthew Williamson’s summer dresses are hot!

With that in mind we suggest you head down to his sample sale today and treat yourselves, after all Spring is here and with up to 70% off prices it really would be rude not to!

Thurs 24th March, 8am - 7pm
The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, W1K

GET SHIRTY….

2011 is the year of shirts and LondOntheInside have been getting shirty on the High Street. We found these 5 sexy shirts in Topshop and Urban Outfitters and what’s more they’re all under £60.…..

Topshop Contrast Placket Shirt: £36. Think Alexa Chung, black hotpants or mini skirt with tights and brogues.

 

Pins & Needles Polka Dot Sheer Shirt - Tres Sexy with high waisted hotpants and jeans. £45. Urban Outfitters.

 

Topshop Cream Leather Trim Blouse. Amazing with skinny jeans and heels. £55.

Pins & Needles Contrast Collar Blouse. Great for work with skinny black trousers or skirt and tights. £45. Urban Outiftters

 

Pins and Needles Poet Blouse. Work and Play. £45. Urban Outfitters.

LIBERTY X NIKE...

Liberty London is one of our favourite stores so when we heard they were doing a collaboration with Nike we were tres happy! The result of this collaboration is some pretty stylish Nikes with liberty prints:

 

Available in store this Spring.....

MENS HAIR PRODUCTS...

Sweden, home of smart, simple design...and amazing hair. REF are a brand new range of hair care products that have been dubbed the 'ikea' of hair care. Their range covers shampoo, conditioners, body wash and styling. We tested out the Matte Cream for Men and can say that it is ACE!. Ideal to work a look with more flexibility, without compromising on hold. It is easy to use and makes hair instantly manageable even on a bad day. One week in and its my favourite product on the shelf. Better still the price is not only affordable but a barging £9.95

www.hairtec.com

SAMPLE SALE: RUPERT SANDERSON

If you like your shoes (don't we all?) then you'll probably know who Rupert Sanderson is and if you do, then you'll probably wanna know about this sample sale.

In Mayfair today Rupert Sanderson will be seeling off their samples to you lucky swines from £40 a pair. So if it's time for a new pair and let's face it, it always is get down there fast.

Thurs 17th March , 8am - 8pm
The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, W1K

FABULOUS FACIAL: KARINE JACKSON

We love a good facial especially during the change of seasons which is why we found ourselves in Karine Jackson's Covent Garden salon test driving the Treatment Facial. 

The Treatment Facial is a deep cleansing facial which involves steam, extraction, cleansing, toning, moisturising and massaging. The treatment room located underneath the hair salon is deadly quiet except for the relaxing music which really makes a difference. We felt ourselves drift away more than once!

The therapist analysed our skin under a lamp before explaining what would be the best treatment for us. After plenty of wiping and scrubbing a mask was applied and we were treated to a neck, shoulder and head massage. 

To end the facial a rehydrating moisturiser was spread on to our face and under our eyes. Then before we knew it we were good to go, glowing face and all. The facial is 60 minutes long and priced from £50, definitely worth it if you need to awaken your skin after the long, cold winter.

Karine Jackson, 24 Litchfield Street, WC2H

www.karinejackson.co.uk

SAMPLE SALE: TEMPERLEY

Get your pennies at the ready for Temperley London's sample sale this week. Expect big discounts on ready-to-wear collections including those famous dresses and accessories.

Thursday 17th March 8am - 7pm
Friday 18th March 9am - 7pm
20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11
www.temperleylondon.com

HAIR CUT 100: JOHN CARNE HAIRDRESSING

Our salon spy has been out and about again and look what they've found - the John Carne Hairdressing salon which has just opened its doors in Knightsbridge. The small chain, already well established in Wimbledon and Guildford, has decided to head central and debut their first London salon on Montpelier Street, SW7.

We sampled the Winter Revival Treatment followed by a chop with Sean the Salon Manager. The Winter Revival Treatment is designed to replenish weather-beaten hair and ours was in need of some desperate replenishing. The treatment room is hidden away downstairs, which is always a plus in a hair salon as you get to relax away from the hair dryers and holiday chatter. The treatment room features massage chairs and the comfiest neck sink we’ve come across.

After the treatment which included a nice long massage we were whisked upstairs half asleep where we were combed, cut and dried. Sean and the rest of the team are welcoming and friendly, and as the salon was fairly quiet we had the chance to have a good old gossip - the staff are down to earth and the salon is unpretentious - probably quite a rare find in Knightsbridge.

We left the salon with a shiny head of healthy hair and three days later it’s still silky smooth. Hair cuts start from £60 whilst the Winter Revival Treatment will set you back £32.50. Check it out people!

3 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, SW7 1EX
www.johncarne.co.uk

MENS HAIR PRODUCTS...

LondOntheInside have been looking into new hair products for men and are bringing you the best of what we have found over the coming weeks. First up is Philip Kingsley dubbed the 'Hair Doctor' with clinics in London, New York and a client list that includes stars, celebrities, politicians and royalty.

With the products specifically aimed at long hair and short hair we found two willing "LondOntheInside" guinea pigs to test them out on:

Philip Kingsley Texture and Shape
£18.40 tested by Ben, long hair monkey

Verdict: This worked well for me, it's easy to use and comes in a squirt bottle which distributes the recommended amount.. It can be used on both wet and dry hair which saved me time. I often find that products I use on my hair weigh it down and it begins to look greasy, not the case here. At £18.40 I'd probably buy this again.

Texture and Hold
£18.40 for 100ml tested by Si, sweeping fringe monkey


Verdict: A bit like a sticky soft putty, good if you want to re-work during the day. This stuff really does have great hold without appearing heavy or greasy like a hard wax can. I've used many products like this one previously and I'd use again as well as recommending it to friends however at £18.40 a tub it's at the top end of the price range, luckily a little goes a long way!

www.philipkingsley.co.uk

BRAND LUST: GESTUZ

Gestuz was created by Tilde Bjerregaard and Signe Elisabeth Vedel in 2007 and since its launch the brand has gone from strength to strength, it is now stocked on ASOS and in Selfridges.

The new Spring/Summer collection is very edgy and the pieces are versatile meaning you can get your mileage. Think Alison Mosshart or Leila Moss - these pieces will have you looking like a rock chick in 2 minutes flat.

And the great thing is the clothes don't cost the earth -  Tshirts start at £40 and dresses from £70.

Check it out!
www.gestuz.com

LUST: KATE MOSS LONGCHAMP

We're loving the Kate Moss for Longchamp bag collection especially the Gloucester travel bag (pictured). The bags are perfect for everyday use and are very spacious so you can fill them full of crap stuff - as you do.

The bag comes in four colours and is available for the bargain price of £750 (well a girl can dream!).

TWENTY8TWELVE POP UP

Fans of Twenty8Twelve should check out their pop up shop in store at Selfridges until March 14th. Plus on the last night the Miller sisters will be throwing a special party to celebrate the new spring/summer 2011 collection. We've seen it and it's pretty hot!

On the night there will be music, free drinks, candy floss, popcorn and old fairground games. And for those who want to get up close and personal with Sienna and Savannah, guests will have the opportunity to chat with them. Well, provided you’re one of the first 100 people to buy an item. For those of you who can’t afford to buy anything but still want to meet Miss Miller it’s worth noting that Selfridges offer a full refund on returns - you get me?!

www.twenty8twelve.com

PARTY TIME AGAIN!

There ain’t no party like an East End Thrift Store Party and it’s that time again! This Thursday sees the return of the vintage shop's famous party with lots of new Summer stock available for you greedy hunters to get your hands on.

There will also be the usual free booze and music to get you in the mood for treasure hunting.

7:30pm March 3rd 2011
The East End Thrift Store, Watermans Building, Unit 1A Assembly Passage, E1

www.theeastendthriftstore.com