Glamping is the new camping – or the only camping that us Minxes do, that’s for sure.

Glamour camping is a luxurious girly version of the original and what with the IOW festival kicking the season into touch, it only seemed fair we gave you the heads up. You won’t catch me in a tent this year, the boy has a V-Dub camper van – but I love getting my head down on a bit of earth and watching the stars up above.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Zandra Rhodes teepee 119.99 and Zandra Rhodes sleeping bag, 24.99@ Milletts.co.uk Cherry coolbag@ Cath Kidston.co.uk, 30.00, Femibion radiance 9.99@boots.com, Durex extra safe 8.29@durex.com/en.gb, soap and glory face wipes, 4.00@soapandglory.com, Dermalogica Extra Rich SPF 30 faceblock 27.45 from www.pure-beauty.co.uk, Cotton Knickers, 5 for 12.00@lasenza.co.uk, Camo box, 15.67 @ ww.thebrowncorporation.com

The best looking Tiger Lilies in town sleep in a te-pee and this Zandra Rhodes one, from Milletts certainly stands out in the crowd! The range also includes chairs, and sleeping bags so you will be getting the ultimate in beauty zzz’s. Store your food in this lovely cool bag by Cath Kidston, and rock the floral trend all over-you might not be the most comfortable lounging it on the floor, but if its made prettier X10 by your inner tent surroundings, it’ll be a pretty haven away from the crowds. Speaking of comfort, keep to cotton knickers for the endless days and nights. Cotton is breathable even if you can’t grab a shower.-and showers might not even be that difficult if you have a nifty pocket shower which can hold up to seven litres of water. No-one likes queuing for the toilet, so pick a spot to hide and set up your own camo box-with bags, wipes and a recyclable toilet you can sit on, you won’t be wasting anytime. Now, if you are anything like me, its a little bit difficult to take your whole beauty case with you-but I promise Soap and Glory’s ‘In Your Face’ wipes clean away all that dirt, and Dermalogica’s Extra Rich face block will make sure it stays super smooth and protect your face from the festival rays. Unless it rains, but I can’t prepare you for that. With all the junk food at stalls, it’ll be worth popping some Femibion radiance tabs, which are full of essential vitamins to boost your diet and look after you. Finally, it may be all well and good to get right down and dirty with an indie-boi, but make sure you strap it up, before you whack it up and go for Extra Safe-Sassy and Sorted.

CAPSULE GLAMPER

BDG batwing coat, 65.00@urbanoutfitters.co.uk, Madhavi carry Playsuit, 65.00@laden.co.uk, Studded Slip Dress, 50.00@topshop.co.uk, ditsy bandeau and brief, 14.00/12.00@warehouse.co.uk vintage minidisco feather bag, 284.00:angeljackson.co.uk, Vivienne Westwood Mellisa Jellies, 90.00@hervia.com, feather headband, 8.00@accessorize.co.uk, faceted heart studs, 6.00@temporary-secretary.com, Glitter stackers, 5.95@barrym.com, Gloss Pur by YSL, 20@debenhams.co.uk, Eyelure false lashes, 6.15@justbeautifully.co.uk.

Lets face it, you can’t exactly carry that much to a festival and you’re only there a few days. I prefer to jazz up my looks with makeup-see Lily Allen and Bat for Lashes for ideas, and keep it classic elsewhere. A lil’ bit retro is easy to carry off-a silk dress looks everso 90’s grunge, and feathers add a fun element which is why Angel Jackson for bags and Accessorize for the best headbands and accessories rock. A playsuit, like this one from Laden.co.uk, always looks cute and they are mega comfy, and ditsy florals are best for bikinis to liven up a summer of love. One of my favourite pieces-the mac, is great updated like this one from Urban Outfitters, with its batwing details which gives a twist on the traditional 90’s Oasis style, and I have seen others with cute prints and ruffles on the high street. Work with the basics and you can still rock on.

Whats your favourite festival ? Care to share your favourite experiences?

Stichin’ is bitchin’. Fact. And what better way to celebrate than with World Wide Knit in Public Day!

It’s a real and actual day, in fact, it’s today!

It was started in 2005 by Danielle Landes as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each others company. It’s a specific day to get out of your house and go to a local event (with your knitting in tow, obv.) and show the general public that ‘not only grannies knit!’

To find out about a WWKIP day event in your area – go to www.wwkipday.com

If you LOVE Gossip Girl and Sex and the City, you’ll LOVE this book.

It’s the last ever in the It Girl series and while it’s a total hit with teen girls everywhere, it’s also a complete guilty pleasure for grown-up girls like me too. This book is extra special as it features popular Gossip Girl character, Jenny Humphrey – she of the peroxide blonde hair and obscene amounts of eye liner.

Jenny longs to be Waverly Academy’s ultimate It Girl. Of course, her competition is tough: some whisper that Tinsley Carmichael’s beauty earns her top social marks while others believe that Callie Vernon, otherwise known as Little Miss Perfect, has and always will rule the school. Can three It Girls coexist on Waverly’s well-manicured campus?

Course they blimmin’ can’t!

Indulge in this guilty pleasure as soon as it hits the shelves on 21st June.

£5.99 www.amazon.co.uk

For the past two years, I have been to Ibiza in the summer. If I could have it my way, I would go to Ibiza every summer, despite how expensive it is, and to counteract for this, I fly to Eivissa airport by Easyjet!
Although the island of ‘beautiful people’, doesn’t always appeal to everyone, and it also has a somewhat misguided reputation, courtesy of those tacky 90s TV shows such as Club Reps and Ibiza Uncovered. I would be lying if I said there aren’t still parts of Ibiza that doesn’t have fun features such as boozed up Brits, and flashing tits, but beyond this – and in our guide – are the best bits, for the jetsetters and glamazons.

Hippy Shake
Ibiza is the ultimate island for a spiritual retreat. This is why many celebs like Kate Moss, Dita Von Teese and the Minogue sisters head over to the lush balearic. This certainly shows in its style which is a mix of jetset glamour-think Jackie O- meets boho-think Ossie Clark florals and Pans People! The hippy markets in Es Cana on a Wednesday and San Carlos on a Saturday are meccas for vintage bits, exotic jewellery, textiles and artefacts from beyond. I love layering up with the mountains of beautiful beaded necklaces to go with my kaftan.

Spiritual Retreat
With the wild, on the island, I mainly enjoy Ibiza for the calm. If beautiful sandy beaches, super sunsets, blissed out cocktails in Cafe Mambo and laying on a bed at Kanya Beach club is not enough, there are many holistic options on the island. Ashtanga yoga courses take place on the island from March to November, inclusive of six days yoga, accommodation and meals, at the stunning Benirras Beach, which was voted the fourth most beautiful beach in the world by The Sunday Times. Alternatively, you can have one of handy masseuses from Massage Beach come and work out those knots and aches on the comfort of your sunlounger. Best Served Chilled? You got it!

Partygirls
Of course, Ibiza will always be renowned for its party lifestyle and hedonism, but with the calm, comes the storm. I have been to all of the superclubs-but my personal favourites are SPACE on Sundays, and Pacha. Ibiza isn’t your usual clubbing British clubbing experience-things are more chilled here and the attitudes are relaxed-showgirls, drag queens and exotic dancers are prominent as are the ranges of DJ’s from all around the world. Because of this, people also put on their best wares and get creative with their costumes-this looks expensive, rather than hen weekendy-and don’t tend to drink to exhaustion. My favourite thing to do, is sit in one of the cocoons on the SPACE terrace with a bottle of water, listening to chilled balearic house and speak to random people, which sounds odd and un-british, but because its Ibiza, anything goes and no-one thinks you are odd! Pacha is super-glamourous and the ultimate in show-off, but that’s one of the reasons to like the iconic cherry! Other hits are Bora Bora bar on Bora Bora beach; as you lie there on the sand, DJ sets are mixed and projected. Even with a hangover, it sounds somewhat blissful. I like Playa D’en Bossa for the beach and the clubs, and if you want to avoid boozed up Brits, it would be good advice to avoid the West End in San Antonio. However, the drinks are cheaper, and there are still some good bars, like Plastik, Cafe Del Mar and Bar M, and clubs like Eden.

Club Tropicana and Old Town
For the record, Club Tropicana drinks aren’t free, but the real place where WHAM! filmed the video for Club Tropicana, Pikes, is a haven for pure indulgence, and has a reputation for doing so-Freddie Mercury hired the whole hotel for his birthday in 1987, and it is a favourite of Julio Inglesias and Grace Jones. Pull up to the bumper with their brunch, served by the pool-delicious. For other gorgeous meals, and for stunning scenery and walks, head to Ibiza Old Town/Dalt Vila, which has a variety of restaurants, bars and is where the exotic locales go in the evenings. Walk up to the Old Castle, walk past the trow bridge, and descent up to art galleries and giftshops, and some of the most stunning views on the island. My one tip here is not to wear heels!

Ibiza Rocks
Going beyond ‘Biza’s repuration as a party hard island, it now appeals to all those cute indie boys. Why? Because it isn’t all about the house music anymore. What with the emergence of Ibiza Rocks, English bandboys are heading over into the sun to play at the hotel hotspot to beautiful people from all around the world. This year, some of my favourites like Ian Brown and The Courteeners are playing with other brilliant acts like Biffy Clyro, Florence and The Machine, Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal.
Ibiza definitely rocks, right?

Have you been to Ibiza? What are your tips-care to share?

New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert.

Meet Veronica Varlow. She is a dee-lish combination of pulp film vixen, pin-up girl, and femme fatale. She has a 1950’s-inspired clothing website Danger Dame, designed to bring out the inner Bettie Page in every woman, and also performs burlesque at various hot spots around New York City. She’s multi-talented, multi-tasking and entrances her audiences with spellbinding glamour.

Come meet her, you’ll fall under spell too…

Read the rest of this entry »

Ros Shiers self portrait

With stunning pictures to hang on your wall, tea towels to good to ever dry up with and super-sweet t-shirts, there’s a lot to love!
Including Ros herself, come meet her.

Tell us more about what you do?
I am an illustrator. I work on freelance projects aswell as working on my own product range featuring my illustrations. I work from my home studio in West London.

'You are the friend everyone wishes they had', 39.00

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Wearing dresses, high heels and make up.

'Love Potion No.9' print, 39.00

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Completing the Royal Parks half marathon last October in 2 hours 6 mins without stopping or walking. Running was something I never thought I could do, so this was a very proud moment for me, it proved to me I could do something that I didn’t think possible if I set myself the challenge. I plan to run the marathon next year.

Which five tracks make your day?
Lady Gaga – Paparazzi or Bad Romance
Etta James – At last
Kings of Leon – On Call
The Style Council – You’re the best thing
David Bowie – Wild is the Wind

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
My black brogues.
Moisturiser
Mascara
Ear plugs
Underwear Body

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
I write a blog (www.thebijouxbootcar.blogspot.com) with my twin sister which documents our tales of hidden treasures discovered whilst enjoying one of our favourite weekend pastimes of visiting car boot sales and antique fairs. Finding old treasure makes me very happy. I am always very happy when spending time with my husband to be and sister.

What is your life Motto?.
Treat others how you would like to be treated, don’t look back in anger and tell the people you love how much you love them as often as you can.

What is next for you creatively?
Adding new designs to my online print shop.

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Liberty
Book: Great Expectations
Website/blog: Tales of a Junkaholic (http://simetra-junkaholic.blogspot.com)
Hang-out: Picnic in Queens Park with friends.
City: London
Must-have beauty item: Sleep
TV prog: I don’t watch TV that often but I do enjoy programs about cooking. I like watching films on the TV instead.
Food: Anything made by Skye Gyngell, (executive chef at Petersham Nurseries.)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
Someone or something that is fun and a little naughty.

Now, there is never anything wrong with a lil’ bump and grind, but sometimes its good for a girl to experiment with herself, and uhm, other things. I’ll be a bit honest, the word ‘vibrator’, makes me go red in the face, still, and much to everyone’s surprise, I am always the shy one hiding in the corner-or just getting really drunk- at and Ann Summers party. As a lingerie designer, it has always been something I have been very aware of, but this has still never made things any less confusing for me, no matter how many times, I have let the tip of a jelly phallus vibrate on the tip of my nose.
Which is why, I have asked Stephanie Baker, the CEO of Fun Factory toys, to, er, give it to me straight.

Quick an’ Easy?
Feeling a little bit fruity, but only have about ten minutes before you have to leave for work/can’t really be bothered before you go to bed? Then the best thing to use is a toy with a small motor, which hits the nerve endings of the clitoris directly and help you reach your destination quicker. According to Steph, the best products to buy are the ones with different speeds and pulsations built in so you can beat to the rhythm of your own drum and avoid ‘numbing your fun’. Because they have smaller motors, they are also usually quieter and are good for solo sessions.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Clockwise from LEFT; LAYAspot magenta, 43.00@funfactory, LELO Mia, 36.95@lovehoney.co.uk, Pink bullet vibrator, 10.00@annsummers.com, LoveBunnies, 10.00@lovehoney.co.uk

Big Boys
A toy with a larger motor, creates a lower, yet more powerful vibration that has a deep and throbbing sensation that travels through your muscles, rubs against the clitoris indirectly, hits the g-spot and is the next best thing to sex. Steph’s best recommendation is Fun Factorys bestseller, the Semirealistic SmartVibe which has 8 speeds, 3 pulsations and a BOOST button for that crucial ‘O’ moment. For dual penetration, vibrators like the famous Ann Summers Rabbit, stimulate the clitoris and internally and if anything else giving you a good once-over, with different types of waves and throbs.

Double the Fun
If you are using a toy with a partner, Steph says it is best to find a toy that works the clitoris, easy to hold and operate and is small enough to be used at the same time as sex. If you are a beginner, she says it is best to experiment together, beginning with a vibrating ring-I recommend Durex’s Play ring- and then work up towards more ambitious toys, like the We-Vibe II, which hits the clitoris and the g-spot and can be attached to your man.

Semirealistic SmartVibe, 55.99@ funfactory.co.uk,Doc Johnson Jenna Velvet Jewel Multispeed, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk, Rampant Rabbit G Pulse Remote, 49.00@annsummers.co.uk, Play Ultra, 10.99 @shop.durex.com, We Vibe II Clitoral and G-Spot Vibrator, 77.49 @ lovehoney.co.uk

Ain’t Nuthin but a G thang
Or so they say. Dispelling the myth, that it doesn’t exist, Steph says, that you have to find a toy which suits you. The G spot is usually an inch or so inside the vagina, behind the belly button, and to be able to reach it during penetration, the focus must be at the tip of the toy, otherwise you won’t feel the benefits. The Delight, by Fun Factory has been designed to reach the G-spot at the same time as stimulating the clitoris, and it has been awarded as Sex Toy of the Year by Company magazine and was the Winner in Good Housekeeping’s Sex toy survey.

Electric Feel
Erotic toys can be made of many things from the more luxurious wood and glass crystal, to the flexible and jellier feeling toys. Although these are usually made of natural silicone-which doesn’t degrade or fade, some of the cheaper varieties contain bad emollients and solvents that can be absorbed by internal mucus membranes, and are harmful to long term use. Steph says to avoid any toys that smell really plasticy, as they usually contain these types of solvents. If you want to save the world, and rock your own too, there are many sextoys which are now rechargable, and the new Click N Charge range from Fun Factory also do this.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Shiri Zinn Minx vibrator, 99.00 @ exclusivelyeve.co.uk, , Hot and Cold Ceramic Dildo, 115.00@ coco-de-mer.com, Promises G-Spot vibrator, 18.00 @annsummers.com, JimmyJane Little Chroma special edition inked, 108.00@exclusivelyeve.co.uk, The Delight, 85.99 @ funfactory.co.uk, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk

Good Vibrations
Of course, this guide would be no good, if we didn’t recommend where to shop from.
My personal favourite is Coco De Mer, the erotic emporium which hosts a variety of products from lingerie, oils and books to toys and accessories. I also really like Pleasure Chest, which is stateside -NY, LA, Chicago-as it stocks similar items and salons, and their staff are just great. Steph’s favourite is Shhh! in Hoxton Square, London, where she says the staff are really helpful and informative as well as showcasing samples of the toys. It depends on the experience you want-a group of girls usually find Ann Summers a haven for toys and games, which is great for those that want to have fun sex, rather than an erotic experience. It’s also a great place to take your man, as he won’t find it too intimidating. For those shysters amongst us-me included!- lovehoney.co.uk and exclusivelyeve.co.uk are brilliant, as they are really female orientated, but boys might prefer sextoys.co.uk which is more factual.

But no matter where you shop, or what you buy, be safe and only do what you feel comfortable with. Sassy AND Sorted!

If you have any questions, or even care to share, comment below!

Kitty Pink Stars – not only has she got the best name in the whole ENTIRE world, she’s a whole lot o’ pink magick who I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE because she does AMAZING things like this…

“…After a long time of knitting tags and putting them up on lamp posts and leaving them in secret spots, I decided to start a wish tree. After the first two were destroyed I needed to find the perfect spot for the perfect people to make special wishes and bring a little bit of magic and hope. After all, we all like to find something special when we least expect it, don’t we?

Happy wishing guys! xx…”

Now go visit The Wishing Tree at Facebook to make your wish – I’m doing it right now!

We have mentioned a few times, how refreshing it is to find a dress designer that not only has fabulous designs, but also caters for your shape in a made-to order way. I found the designer Zoe Corsellis at The Look Boutique, and I pretty much want her whole collection. So we thought we would catch up with her, and find out more…..

Silk crepe shirt dress 160.00

Who/what inspires you and why?
Absolutely anyone that can run their own business and have it succeed!
I’ve worked for many other designers who run their own label and ever since then I just know it’s something I have to do.
As far as fashion inspiration – Dior, every time, I don’t think anyone can create a collection that will ever live up to the standard of a Dior collection, in my opinion.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
It’s ok for us to use our emotions to allow us to say how we feel, to decide what to wear, where to go to socialise, etc, etc. I love getting together with my girlfriends and basically have a therapy session over a bottle of wine and dinner. I love spending hours getting ready with girlfriends making it a feature of the night. I love being able to change my hairstyle every day and wear bright clothes without being judged as a man would. I think as a women you get a lot more freedom to be yourself.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
1. New York – I feel super glamorous when I’m walking around Manhattan! I really notice how much more the women get dressed up there for all occasions at any time of the day. Love it!

2. Greenwich Park – I did my first photo shoot there. I loved the idea of really dressed up girls in fabulous frocks walking their dogs through the park.

3. The Pub…. Drinking is my only vice but there’s nothing like getting seriously excited thinking up ideas for the next collection over a bottle of Vino.

4. Roller Disco – I’m an eighties girl at heart. I used to go with Sunday School when I was about 9. It just wasn’t cool then skating around in brown cords and a burgundy polo neck. Now I wear cute ra ra skirts or satin jumpsuits. One day I am going to design a Roller Disco range!!

5. Wolverhampton – unfortunately for all the wrong reasons though. It’s where I’m from originally. I moved to London 10 years ago but when ever I go back to visit friends or family etc, as much as I miss them all like crazy, I can’t help but be so pleased I was able to leave when I did…..it’s not exactly the epicentre of fashion!

Strapless Heart Dress, 130.00

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?

1. Rimmel Sun shimmer in the medium shimmer finish, not matt – I’m very particular about this…the matt just does not rub in as well!
2. Maybelline Colossal Mascara, black.
3. Large round styling brush. I have/love really big hair!
4. Eyetuck by Skin Doctor – stupidly expensive but soooooo worth it for when I’m doing all nighters (all night work that is, not all night disco, sadly.)
5. Tan Fringed mid length flat boots from dare I say it, Primark!– they’re extremely scabby now because I’ve worn them to death and bought about 5 pairs in a row because they were so cheap but I absolutely love them and wear them all the time, they go with everything, jeans, dresses, shorts even bikinis!!!

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Having a gorgeous date to look forward to…I really love the whole spending time getting ready thing, the dates themselves are usually an anti-climax.
Glee (Surprise surprise, I’ve only mentioned it about 5 times so far during this interview!)
Tanqueray. I heart Gin.
The feeling when you’ve just booked a holiday.
And last of all…….Super gorgeous fabulous new shoes.

What is your life Motto?.
Enjoy the Attention!

Bow Detail Polka Dot Dress, 150.00

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Hmmmmm this is a tricky one, I guess I’d have to say H&M at the moment, I’m a little hooked on buying really cheap jersey dresses for my hols. But when it comes to Shoes I luuuuuurve Kurt Geiger…..sorry just realise this is supposed to be quick fire!!
Book: The secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic
Website/blog: www.Marmite.com (I’m a lover not a hater).I must admit I was a bit of a late starter on the Blog front. Obviously I’m now an avid follower of Sassy Minx!!
Hang-out: Out door cafes in Nice, super dressed up, drinking a fabulous bottle of Chablis
City: New York
Must-have beauty item: Rimmel Sun Shimmer, medium shimmer – not matt finish
TV prog: GLEE!!!!!! Hoorah for Glee!
Food: Cheese – all types, love it!!!!!!!

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?

Everything a girl should be…
Sassy = sexy and fun, but not slutty and/or overly confident.
Minx = appealingly cheeky!

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